Qianling Mountain Speed Climbing Race goes down a treat

After the starting gun is fired, the runners take off. [Photo/Guiyang Daily]

The 2023 Qianling Mountain Speed Climbing Race (Summer Race) kicked off on July 15, with more than 120 competitors from Hubei, Zhejiang, Fujian, Yunnan, and other provinces participating.

Starting at Qianling Mountain Sports Park and ending at Daluoling Mountain (the main peak of Qianling Mountain), the track spans 6.1 kilometers and ascends to about 600 meters.

Except for the first, second, and third prizes, the race also set up speed awards for "men's 55 minutes" and "women's 60 minutes". Whoever completed the race this time was given a customized golden statue.

Wang Shijun clinched first place in the elite men's group, with a time of 51 minutes and 49 seconds, and also won the extra gold statue. Zhang Lian won the women's race with a time of 1 hour, 3 minutes and 51 seconds.

"The vegetation coverage of Qianling Mountain is very high, and the climate is cool. We don't have to worry about heat stroke or dehydration during the competition," said Zhang Zinan, a runner from Zhejiang.

The Qianling Mountain Speed Climbing Race has been held for five consecutive years and continues to grow in popularity. It aims to promote the integration of sports and travel in Guiyang while encouraging more people nationwide to take up sport and keep fit.