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168 km, three days and one champion: Théo Doré’s stratospheric performance at the Xihong Ultra-Trail in China
A student in the MSc International Business programme on SKEMA’s Suzhou campus, Théo Doré delivered a remarkable performance at the Xihong 168 Ultra-Trail – Spring 2025 edition, held from 14 to 16 March in Qixian County, at the heart of the Huangshan Mountains in China’s Anhui province. He completed the gruelling race in 17 hours, 46 minutes and 46 seconds, taking first place in the men’s category.
More than 1,700 runners took part, hailing not only from across China but also from France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, Canada, Malaysia and the United States. Over a thousand competitors set off along a course marked by slippery ridgeline paths, canyons, bamboo forests and river crossings – all under a stifling 98% humidity.
Three days of effort, 168 kilometres of resolve
From day one, Théo set the pace, building a twenty-minute lead over his closest rival on the initial 56 km segment. He widened the gap the next day, despite the arrival of the 100 km runners. By the end of the second stage, he had a forty-minute lead. On the final day, with a one-hour advantage overall, he chose to cross the finish line hand in hand with a fellow runner – a symbolic gesture, true to the spirit of sportsmanship that defined this edition.
“It wasn’t just a victory – it was an inner journey”
On the podium, Théo Doré didn’t mention the clock. He spoke of meaning.
“It wasn’t only a race to win. It was an inner journey – a transformative experience. I found something greater than myself in these landscapes, in the people I met. I’m deeply grateful to SKEMA, my coach, my family and friends. Their support carried me through.”
As though echoing the words of Lao Tzu, he gave voice to an ancient wisdom:
“Knowing others is strength, knowing yourself is enlightenment. Mastering others requires force; mastering yourself requires true power. He who knows contentment is rich.”
