Rush to the top

[Photo provided to China Daily]

Last year's event only had the 29-km race but still managed to attract more than 70 professional runners from 22 countries and regions, including Iran, Italy, Mexico, Nepal and the United States.

The goal is to enable foreign runners to experience China's grand landscape, according to the organizer.

"We ensure that the route is both safe and challenging and as picturesque as we can make it," Rodriguez says.

The 29-km track ran through sprawling mountains and forests, giving those walking or running the chance not only to lap up the views but also test their physical strength. The winner in the men's category was Bhim Gurung from Nepal, who finished 3 hours, 6 minutes and 51 seconds. Megan Kimmel from the US won the women's race at 3 hours, 33 minutes and 55 seconds.

The 10-km track may look simple on the map but conceals many wonders. It winds its way through a valley up to a stunning alpine lake at a height of 4,177 meters. The three holy peaks overlook this trek, providing breathtaking views with every step.

The climb is "pretty much as high as you'd want to make a vertical kilometer", Rodriguez says.

The Vertical-Kilometer course is 7 km from start to finish, climbing in altitude in excess of 1,000 meters, and participants can experience forests above the tree line at around 4,600 meters when it flattens out briefly.