On October 26th, athlete Deng Ronghua shared his thoughts during the 2024 Quzhou-Kecheng-Lingjiu Mountain Ancient Trail Ultra Marathon held in Quzhou, Zhejiang. “This competition is not just a test of physical endurance and skill; it’s also a true test of willpower,” he said.
The event drew over 1,600 runners and enthusiasts from 29 provinces across the country, all competing fiercely amidst the picturesque landscape of mountains and rivers.
As the starting gun fired at 5 a.m., competitors in the 100-kilometer race took off like arrows, battling through the winding course. Deng Ronghua, last year’s champion in the women’s 70-kilometer category, decided to challenge himself this year by entering the 100-kilometer race, hoping to push his limits once again.
Local trail-running enthusiast Zheng Shihua reflected on his journey: “Last year, I competed in the 15-kilometer category, and this year I’ve entered the 40-kilometer race in hopes of pushing myself further.” To prepare, he began training along the race route in August. “The first time I completed 40 kilometers, it took me seven hours, and my legs were sore for a month afterward. But I believe that if I can just finish the race, the effort I put in will have been worthwhile.”
The Lingjiu Mountain race course is known for its treacherous terrain, with an elevation gain of 7,255 meters across the 100-kilometer route. The steep slopes and varied environments present significant challenges to participants. However, the race also weaves through stunning natural and cultural sites, including the Lingjiu Sacred Ground, Taoyuan Qilai, the Doyin Mountain Jungle Adventure Park, and Jiuhua Miaoyuan, allowing runners to soak in the breathtaking scenery of Keccheng while enjoying the thrill of ultra-running and experiencing the beauty of nature.
A representative from the Keccheng District’s Bureau of Culture, Tourism, and Sports expressed optimism for the future: “Once the Lingjiu Mountain Tourist Resort is fully established, we will collaborate with nearby projects like the Ordovician to provide visitors with a comprehensive and high-quality tourism experience.”
