Forest marathon kicks off in Changchun

The Changchun Jingyuetan International Forest Marathon 2017 kicked off on June 18, with nearly 6,000 runners from 32 countries including China, the US, and Canada.

This year's marathon consisted of various events such as full marathon, half marathon, and seven-kilometer mini marathon, and the landform included hilly areas, sandy paths, highways, and grassland.

Participants could appreciate the beautiful mountains, lake, and forests during the competition.

A Polish runner praised the beautiful landscape and said he had made many friends during the event and this was an unforgettable experience.

Wu Yuansong, a marathoner from Guangzhou who had attended the Changchun marathon for five years, said, "Jingyuetan is of great significance to me and my colleagues (who joined in the marathon together with Wu)."

The marathon committee arranged people to follow every marathoner and record their exciting moments with cameras during the competition.

Wu said he and his colleagues were surprised when they found their photos exhibited in a museum on their marathon path the second time they joined in the event.

Since then, they've attended the Changchun marathon every year and regard the event as a valuable chance to recall their past experiences.

The Changchun Jingyue National High-tech Industrial Development Zone is now working to make the forest marathon a high-level international sports event equal to the Vasaloppet China, an international skiing event held in Changchun annually and whose committee had joined in Worldloppet.

Members of Worldloppet -- a world cross-country skiing federation -- also participated in the competition.

Marathoners run across the beautiful forest and appreciate mountain and lake landscapes during the competition.[Photo/chinajilin.com.cn]