Zhao Jiaju wins Tor des Géants with course record

Chinese ultra-trail runner Zhao Jiaju has won the Tor des Géants, setting a new course record for the 336.1-kilometer race through the Italian Alps. Zhao completed the course in 65 hours, 55 minutes, and 22 seconds, becoming the first Asian athlete to win the 330-kilometer category.

Zhao described the physical toll of the race, noting extreme dehydration, sun exposure, and intense leg pain. He attributed his victory to mental willpower, stating that while he was uncertain of his physical capacity, his experience in long-distance racing allowed him to push past perceived limits. To prepare for the event, he spent approximately one month in the Aosta Valley to acclimatize to the altitude, terrain, and local food.