On October 20, the 2024 Guangdong (Lianshan) Trail Running Competition officially kicked off, marking the beginning of the outdoor sports season in Qingyuan. Over 2,000 competitors from across the nation gathered in Lianshan, ready to embark on an exciting athletic journey.
As the crisp whistle blew, participants dashed across the starting line, racing through the picturesque landscape of Lianshan. With the fresh air rich in negative oxygen ions, they reveled in the refreshing embrace of the lush mountains and valleys.
The event took place in Lianshan, known for its status as a national key ecological function area. The region boasts an impressive 85.8% forest coverage, the highest in Guangdong Province. Lianshan is recognized as a national forest wellness base and a natural oxygen bar, as well as being one of the top 100 towns in China for deep breathing experiences. The county is home to six tourist attractions rated 3A and above.
This year’s trail running event features four categories: a 50-kilometer race, a 30-kilometer race, a hiking group, and a fun run. The race began at Lianshan Cultural Square, with the fun run finishing at Zhuang Yao Mountain City and the hiking group concluding at Yongmeimengdong Village. Both the 50-kilometer and 30-kilometer courses ended at Jinzishan Scenic Area.
Participants in the 5-kilometer fun run circled the banks of the Jishui River, while long-distance runners traversed the rugged mountain terrain with their backpacks. The hiking group made their way through the scenic villages of Yisheng, Shangtai, and Mengdong before reaching their destination. Meanwhile, other competitors continued their journey toward the expansive Gaoliao Terraces and the summit of Jinzishan, which offers views of three provinces.
Runners in the 50-kilometer race scaled the renowned Jinzishan before making their ascent toward the peak of Mount Furong, standing over 1,400 meters high. Here, amidst the cloud-shrouded alpine meadows, competitors felt as if they were running in a fairyland, with the clouds around them and their feet on the grassy terrain. They not only enjoyed spectacular views but also faced the thrills and challenges presented by the steep paths of Jinzishan and Mount Furong.
After a fierce competition, Cai Fazheng and Zhao Jiangqiong emerged victorious as champions in the men’s and women’s 50-kilometer categories, while Xie Zhengjiang and Wang Jing took top honors in the men’s and women’s 30-kilometer races.
