Runners and camels are framed together in a picture. [Photo/Ningxia Daily]

The 2026 Ningxia Zhongwei Desert Starry Sky Half Marathon gathered 5,000 runners at Shapotou Scenic Area, Zhongwei, Ningxia Hui autonomous region, on June 27.

These runners, from different cities, embarked on a unique journey from the sunset glow to the dazzling starry sky, amid the desert and the Yellow River.

The event, with "Chasing the Stars" as its IP, integrated the city's rich heritage with the spirit of sports. After the competition, a starry sky music festival followed, igniting the summer night under the starry sky.

Participants run in the Shapotou Scenic Area, situated on the fringe of the Tengger Desert. [Photo/Ningxia Daily]