First ultramarathon opens in N China

Participants leave the starting line at the First Inner Mongolia Ultramarathon held in Hohhot, capital of Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Aug 11. [Photo/VCG]

The First Inner Mongolia Ultramarathon commenced in Hohhot's Qingshuihe county on Aug 11.

Over 500 runners from 22 provinces and cities across the country gathered at Laoniuwan Geopark to participate in the event.

The event is one of several fitness campaigns launched by the regional government in 2016, as well as being a part of the 13th Great Wall Tourism Festival, which is currently taking place until Aug 18 in Qingshuihe county.

An ultramarathon is a race that exceeds the distance of a traditional marathon (42 km) and this year's two-day event features a 100 km and a 60 km ultramarathon.

According to the government, the ultramarathon attracted huge crowds of tourists to the park, providing a boost to the county's profile.

Runners pose for a photograph at the beginning of the ultramarathon held in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Aug 11. [Photo/VCG]

Runners compete during the ultramarathon held in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Aug 11. [Photo/VCG]