Cross-country enthusiasts race in Yixing

The Yangxian 100 Trail Challenge kicks off in Yixing on Nov 18. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]

More than 1,400 cross-country race enthusiasts from around the country competed in picturesque Yixing, a county-level city in Wuxi, East China's Jiangsu province, on Nov 18.

Fifteen renowned Chinese cross-country race athletes, including Shen Jiashen, the fastest cross-country racer in Asia, were also invited to participate in the competition.

A woman runs over an ancient bridge along the trail. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]

The competitors at the Yangxian 100 Trail Challenge were divided into four categories – 100 kilometers, 50 km, 30 km and 5 km and ran through numerous scenic spots, including Bamboo Forest Park, National Forest Park, Longchi Mountain Bike Park, and Yaohu Town.

Each finisher received a package filled with local specialties including Yangxian baked scallion pancakes and Yixing black tea, as well as free tickets to Yangxian Ecotourism Resort, which included entrance to five 4A-level scenic spots.

Two racers run across a tea plantation along the trail. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]

"Wuxi is a dynamic city and Yixing is beautiful," said Jiang Xiaoni from Zhejiang's Shaoxing. "The competition is full of surprise for our cross-country race enthusiasts."

Lu Zhenping, a cross-country race lover from Yixing, noted, "The competition was much anticipated and the trail connects both the wonderful landscape and local ancient paths and villages."