Li Deliang, a 42-year-old bank employee from Wuhan, China, recently completed the 2026 Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), a challenging ultramarathon spanning 174 kilometers across France, Italy, and Switzerland with an elevation gain of 9,700 meters. The race, regarded as one of the premier events in trail running, began on August 28 and featured 2,406 participants, of whom only 1,681 finished, reflecting a completion rate of less than 70 percent.
During the race, Li experienced intense physical and mental challenges, including hallucinations approximately 130 kilometers into the course. He described seeing numerous "bugs" swarming before his eyes for about an hour but maintained focus by reminding himself of the trail’s surroundings to avoid panic. Despite not resting at either of the two major aid stations, Li completed the race in 34 hours and 25 minutes without sleep for over a day.
Li took up running relatively recently, starting in 2018 with the goal of finishing the UTMB 100-mile race. He emphasized that his motivation was less about pushing limits and more about self-understanding. Balancing a demanding full-time job with his training, he incorporated workouts into his daily routine through small, manageable exercises such as hip mobility routines in bed, balance practice on the subway, and stair climbing to simulate hill training where access to mountains is limited.
He underscored that success in long-distance trail running depends heavily on months of disciplined preparation rather than performance solely on race day. According to Li, two critical challenges during such ultradistance races are pacing and willpower. He explained the importance of controlling the urge to run fast early on to avoid burnout, while also finding the inner strength to push forward when both mind and body feel exhausted. Li also noted that managing one’s own effort is more important than comparing oneself with other runners, as external appearances on the trail may not reflect each competitor’s actual condition.
Having achieved a personal milestone with this race, Li plans to shift his focus towards enjoying the experience more fully, including exploring different landscapes and cultures through future races. Additionally, he expressed a desire to contribute to the growth of trail running in China to help others discover the sport's appeal. Li indicated there is no immediate plan for another ultradistance race, recognizing that the challenges faced during the UTMB extended beyond physical endurance to a more holistic form of self-discovery.