The 2024 Ningxia Helan Mountain East Foothill Wine Region Half-Marathon (Golden Autumn Race) took place on Monday, with 6,000 enthusiasts from across China making their way through the vineyard course. After intense competition, Zhang Guofu won the men's half-marathon, while Yang Yuxin emerged victorious in the women's half-marathon.

Runners at the starting line for the 2024 Ningxia Helan Mountain East Foothill Wine Region Half-Marathon (Golden Autumn Race) [Photo/cn.chinadaily.com.cn]

For the first time, the race was included as one of the main events of the 4th China (Ningxia) International Wine Culture and Tourism Expo. With the theme "Purple Seasons, Run for Excellence", the event featured a half-marathon and the "Most Beautiful Winery Run", drawing a total of 6,000 participants – 4,800 for the half-marathon and 1,200 for the winery run.

Both local residents and people from other regions of China take part in the race [Photo/cn.chinadaily.com.cn]

Runners on the course [Photo/cn.chinadaily.com.cn]

As the half-marathon coincided with the Mid-Autumn Festival, organizers promoted a "sports + tourism + wine" package for the Xixia district, which is in Ningxia Hui autonomous region, which included five sets of 12 activities, encompassing wine tasting experiences and scenic wine estate tours.

During the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday from Sept 15 to 17, participants could use their race number and ID card to enjoy free or discounted admission at 43 A-level tourist attractions in Yinchuan. The initiative attracted tourists from around China, promoting the integrated development of wine culture, tourism and sports. Additionally, the finish area and race track featured a thousand-people-long table feast and an exposition of Ningxia's specialties.

The 2024 Ningxia Helan Mountain East Foothill Wine Region Half-Marathon (Golden Autumn Race) takes place on Monday. [Photo/cn.chinadaily.com.cn]

The event further promoted the development of a national fitness movement and increased the reputation of the Helan Mountain East Foothill wine region. 

In the future, more exciting sports events and cultural activities will be held here, bringing more surprises and experiences to visitors and running enthusiasts.