Snow mountain marathon challenges runners in Lijiang

The 2017 Lijiang Snow Mountain Half-marathon kicked off in Old Town of Lijiang, Yunnan province, on Aug 6.

The sporting event, organized by the People's Government of Lijiang, consisted of a 21-kilometer half-marathon and a 5.2-kilometer mini-marathon through the region's plateaus at 2,400 meters above the sea level.

Over 1,100 runners ready for the 2017 Lijiang Snow Mountain Half-marathon on Aug 6. [Photo/xinhuanet.com]

More than 1,100 runners from all over the world participated in the competition, challenging themselves in the high altitude and tough landscape.

Elkanah Kimeli Arusey from Kenya, took the crown for the men's half-marathon with a finishing time of 69 minutes, winning an award of 8,000 yuan ($1,190).

Participants run through the Old Town of Lijiang during the 2017 Lijiang Snow Mountain Half-marathon on Aug 6. [Photo/xinhuanet.com]

Xiao Zhongwan, vice-mayor of the People's Government of Lijiang, said that the event will encourage local residents to join in local fitness campaigns and promote the city's worldwide image.

Su Wenlin, a 50-year-old runner from Kunming, has attended more than 40 marathon competitions across the country, and came to Lijiang for the first Snow Mountain Half-marathon.

Su said, "The unique course and beautiful scenery make the ranking less important, but the beauty of Lijiang draws in tourists for the marathon."

Elkanah Kimeli Arusey from Kenya wins the men's half-marathon in Lijiang on Aug 6. [Photo/xinhuanet.com]

Edited by Zachary Dye