Led by five Olympians, 3,500 runners took part in the "Colorful Land • Nationwide Harmonious Countryside Health Run" in Wutongshu township, Ningxia Hui autonomous region on Sunday. 

The runners, who hailed from 25 different provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities across China, got underway from Lingwu Station and progressed along the Yellow River through beautiful tracks of Chinese parasol trees.

The "Colorful Land • Nationwide Harmonious Countryside Health Run (Village Run)” gets underway at Lingwu Station on Sunday. [Photo/cn.chinadaily.com]

Along with a 20.24-kilometer countryside run, the event featured a 4.2-km health run, while runners who were unable to make it on the day can still register through the Keep APP and complete the 4.2-km run wherever they are by Sept 10 to receive an electronic badge and certificate. So far, more than 15,000 running enthusiasts have registered online to participate.

Sunday’s route was characterized by farmland and roads leading to irrigation channels. The air was filled with the scent of ripening crops, signaling an abundant harvest. Energetic participants measured the harmonious countryside of Lingwu with their paces, immersing themselves in its pastoral beauty, observing its development and appreciating the cultural charm of an ancient county.

Runners take part in the "Colorful Land • Nationwide Harmonious Countryside Health Run (Village Run)". [Photo/cn.chinadaily.com]

The "Colorful Land • Nationwide Harmonious Countryside Health Run (Village Run)" gets underway at Lingwu Station on Sunday. [Photo/cn.chinadaily.com]

A rural revitalization exhibition was held in tandem with the run, with over 100 specialty products from 87 companies on display. Ningxia's “six specialties” industries and agricultural products featured at the exhibit, along with 13 intangible cultural heritage items, including Tang's lamb liquor and Lingzhou leather crafts. 

The premium cashmere area displayed high-quality Lingwu cashmere, while the gourmet tasting area, filled with the aroma of Lingwu's specialties, attracted many hungry runners and spectators.