Runners embrace nature at Guiyang mountain race

The 2026 Guiyang Ten Peaks Mountain Race was held at Luchongguan Forest Park in Guiyang, capital city of Southwest China's Guizhou province, on May 10, with over 1,000 hiking and trail running enthusiasts participating.

The event featured three categories – 5.8 kilometers, 10 km, and 19.5 km – with both the start and finish lines located at the park's west gate. Known for its lush vegetation, fresh air, and unique terrain, the park provided ideal natural conditions for the competition. The routes wound through forests and mountain ridges, while participants also passed through large open grasslands along the course.

Runners tear off the starting line of the 2026 Guiyang Ten Peaks Mountain Race. [Photo/guiyang.gov.cn]

Runners navigate stairs on a mountain ridge, part of the route. [Photo/guiyang.gov.cn]

"There is such a fun and challenging trail in Guiyang. It's a great place for regular training and competitions in the future," local participant Huang Wei said. "Many of my friends from Jiangsu and Chongqing also came to join the race."

Liu Hongnan, a runner from Shenyang in Northeast China's Liaoning province, praised Guiyang's ecological environment. "The scenery here is amazing, with green mountains and fresh air everywhere," he said. "Running through the forest trails felt incredibly comfortable, and enjoying the scenery while racing made the whole experience wonderful."

The first, second, and third-place finishers of the women's 19.5km race receive their certificates and prize vouchers on the podium. [Photo/guiyang.gov.cn]