Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the booming popularity of trail running in China, driven by a desire for outdoor experiences, increased event organization, and the conversion of event traffic into consumer spending [5][6]. Group 1: Market Growth and Trends - Trail running events in China have seen a significant increase, with the number of participants and events growing at the fastest rate globally, according to ITRA data [10]. - The surge in trail running has positively impacted three main business sectors: event operations, trail running shoes, and local tourism [10]. - The event operation sector is crucial, with companies like Sanfu Outdoor and Langtu Sports leading the way, despite some events operating at a loss to build brand loyalty and attract tourism [10][11]. Group 2: Business Impact - Sanfu Outdoor reported a revenue of 934,000 yuan from its events in the first half of the year, with a loss of nearly 3 million yuan, indicating a focus on long-term brand building rather than immediate profits [11]. - The sales of trail running shoes have skyrocketed, with a 76% increase in sales to 350 million yuan in 2023, nearly doubling from the previous year [11]. - The local tourism economy has also benefited, with events like the Chongli 168 Super Trail Run attracting over 170,000 visitors and generating tourism revenue exceeding 168 million yuan [11]. Group 3: Brand Competition - The market features over 40 trail running shoe brands, with domestic brands like Kailas and international brands like HOKA and Salomon leading the competition [13]. - These "big three" brands are actively engaging in sponsorships and community-building efforts to capture the younger demographic interested in trail running [13][15]. - Kailas has seen a 269% increase in sales for its FUGA series shoes, highlighting the competitive advantage gained through event sponsorship and community engagement [11][19]. Group 4: Future Trends - The article suggests that the trail running shoe market will evolve towards high performance and professionalization while also becoming more fashionable for everyday wear [19]. - Brands are focusing on retaining core runners while also appealing to a broader audience through trendy designs and collaborations with influencers [19].

Core Viewpoint - The popularity of trail running in China is driven by a combination of factors including the desire to escape urban life, the increase in events and brand sponsorships, and the conversion of event traffic into consumer spending [6][8]. Group 1: Market Growth and Trends - The number of trail running events and participants in China has seen the highest growth rate globally in recent years, indicating a booming market [12]. - Three main business segments benefiting from the trail running trend are event operations, trail running shoes, and local tourism [13]. - Event operations are at the core of the trail running industry chain, with companies like Sanfu Outdoor and Langtu Sports leading the way [14]. Group 2: Event Operations - Sanfu Outdoor's event division reported a revenue of 934,000 yuan in the first half of the year, but incurred a loss of nearly 3 million yuan [15]. - The low profitability of event operations is offset by the brand-building benefits and the ability to attract high-engagement users, which can lead to long-term gains [16]. - Events like the Salomon "Lighthouse Plan" are designed to enhance the event ecosystem and provide sustainable growth for the industry [16]. Group 3: Trail Running Shoes - Online sales of trail running shoes in China grew by 76% to 350 million yuan in 2023, nearly doubling from the previous year [20]. - The leading brand in this segment is Kailas, whose "Dapo Wang" FUGA series saw a staggering sales increase of 269% year-on-year [21]. Group 4: Impact on Local Tourism - Events have a significant spillover effect on local economies, boosting sectors such as transportation, accommodation, dining, and retail [22]. - The Chongli 168 event attracted over 170,000 visitors, generating tourism revenue exceeding 168 million yuan [23]. Group 5: Brand Landscape - The domestic market features over 40 trail running shoe brands, with Kailas, HOKA, and Salomon recognized as the "big three" [28]. - These brands are actively engaging in event sponsorships and community operations to capture the younger demographic interested in trail running [30]. Group 6: Future Trends - The trail running shoe market is expected to evolve towards high performance and professionalization, while also becoming more fashionable for everyday wear [43]. - Brands are focusing on maintaining core runners while also appealing to broader audiences through trendy designs and collaborations [42].