At Chiang Mai Thailand by UTMB, Asia’s only UTMB World Series Major, two young Chinese runners gave standout performances. Zhou Kao, a full-time community manager at Outopia, and Luo Qiong, a college student in China, proved that talent, passion and community support are a strong recipe for success. Both athletes were supported by Outopia, a new trail running apparel brand dedicated to empowering all runners to meet their potential.
Image 1: Luo Qiong after finishing her race at Chiang Mai UTMB.
Zhou Kao, who balances his full-time role with rigorous training, defied expectations by finishing as runner-up in the tough 100K race, clocking 9:51:39. Without a traditional elite athlete background, Zhou credits his success to the support he receives from Outopia,“Balancing full-time work with this level of training isn't easy. Outopia understands the reality of committed runners and their consistent encouragement and strong sense of community gave me the confidence to push for a podium finish,” he shared.
Image 2: Zhou Kao showcases new Outopia product on the trails of Chiang Mai.
Luo Qiong, a senior college student, made her international debut with a remarkable two-week back-to-back challenge. After securing second place in the 20K race, she went on to finish in the top 10 in the competitive 50K, earning her spot in the UTMB Finals in 2026. Discovered by Outopia through domestic races, Luo’s rapid progression is fueled by the brand’s financial and coaching support.
These inspiring performances highlight Outopia’s mission to empower everyday athletes with innovative, high-performance gear, while building a community that nurtures potential at all levels. Founded in 2021, Outopia is committed to supporting runners globally, from local community events to international races.
"Seeing young Chinese runners perform at this level on the global stage is incredibly meaningful," said Rachel Lyu, Head of Sports Marketing at Outopia. "We're proud to play a role in helping these athletes access the resources and community they need to compete on the world stage. Our mission is to empower all runners to reach their potential."
At Chiang Mai Thailand by UTMB, Outopia’s pop-up store and shakeout runs further demonstrated the brand’s expanding global presence, bringing together runners from all over the world. These events showcased Outopia’s growing international appeal and its dedication to community driven growth.
Image 3: Runners come together at the Outopia Shake Out Run in Chiang Mai ahead of race day.
About Outopia
Founded by passionate trail runners, Outopia specializes in high-performance Merino wool apparel, combining cutting-edge innovation with sustainability. The brand’s mission is to empower all runners and make the world a better place through trail running. For more information, visit Outopia Run or @outopia.run.
Media Contact
Company Name: Outdoor Utopia Limited
Contact Person: Alice Norton
Email: Send Email
City: Shanghai
Country: China
Website: www.outopia.com
