More than 200 runners from across the country were challenged by the terrains of Wailingding and Guishan during the Wanshan Islands Mountain Marathon on April 20 and 21.

The two competition sites balanced difficulties and varied the scenery on the popular Zhuhai islands. It was the first such two-island race in the country, according to the Wanshan Marine Development Experimental Zone Administrative Committee.

The challenge consisted of a 10-km (6.2-mile) steep-slope mountain road on Wailingding on Day 1 and a further 15 km (9.3 miles) of trails of various types on Guishan on Day 2. Narrow stone paths increased the difficulty.

Guishan Passenger Terminal starting line 

Competitors on Day 2 followed a marked course starting from Guishan Passenger Terminal and passing the Disembarkation Site for Guishan Warship Heroes. Going along the water's edge, runners took in picturesque coastal trails, heroic monuments, Beishan Reservoir, Gongyuan Road intersection, and Niutou Island.

Chen Yan and Gao Kunxian led the male and female groups on both days. Chen came in first in the male competition on Day 2 with a time of 1:00 and Gao won the female group at 1:45.

Winner Gao Kunxian and runners-up [Photos by Cheng Lin / Zhuhai Daily]

A participant said that the organizing committee's deliberation on route planning brought out the area's genuine coastal delights.

A local official noted that the marathon had much depth -- the course and its natural beauty, folk customs of fishing communities, historic and cultural charm, and authentic island cuisines.

In the future, Wanshan will host more fishing, sailing, rock-climbing, marathons, and other events to spread its popularity as a great place for outdoor sports.