Runners compete on routes through the distinctive Danxia landforms, the Gobi Desert, mountains, valleys and craters in Gansu province's Yumen Moshan National Park. [Photo by Yang Feiyue/China Daily]

Races through Gansu's colorful rock formations, volcanic craters and the Gobi are helping Yumen's tourism dash forward. Yang Feiyue reports.

An ocean of yellow, red and grey mountains cascades before those who stand atop the high ridge - a rim of rock so narrow, there's barely enough stone to stand on.

It's truly a balancing act - especially for the acrophobic.

Roaring winds seem to threaten to throw you over the edge.

But the view is worth the risk. Standing is one thing. Sprinting is another.

As if climbing the peaks of Gansu province's Yumen Moshan National Park wasn't hard at any pace, a growing number of competitive runners are dashing to - and through - this tricky terrain.