The 2018 China Tianzhu Mountain International Canyoning Trail Challenge and National Skyrunning Points Race Concluded Successfully ...

       At 8:30 a.m. on October 14, the 2018 China Tianzhu Mountain International Canyoning Trail Challenge and National Skyrunning Points Race commenced in the beautiful Tianzhu Mountain Scenic Area of Qianshan City, Anqing, Anhui Province. Following Qianshan’s transition from a county to a city, this event was another large-scale, high-level international sports gathering that combined competitiveness with mass participation. The successful hosting of the race plays an important role in further enhancing the tourism city image of Tianzhu Mountain and Qianshan, promoting the “Sports for All, Tourism for All” brand, and driving sustained and healthy economic and social development in the region.

Leaders and guests present at the opening ceremony included: Li Wenmao, Director of the New Project Department of the Mountaineering Sports Management Center of the General Administration of Sport of China; Wang Qingsheng, Deputy Director of the Publicity Center of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration; Yang Ya, Deputy Director of the China Greening Foundation; Zhen Guodong, Deputy Director of the Anhui Provincial Sports Bureau; Xu Xiaochun, Director of the Anqing Education and Sports Bureau; Zhou Lvxin, World Champion in Diving; Mandan, a leading figure in China’s cross-country skiing; Mei Naixue, Deputy Secretary of the Qianshan Municipal Committee of the CPC and Mayor of Qianshan City; Huang Yin zhi, Director of the Qianshan Municipal People’s Congress Standing Committee; Guo Yusheng, Chairman of the Qianshan Municipal Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference; Tu Gaosheng, Member of the Standing Committee of the Qianshan Municipal Committee of the CPC and Deputy Director of the Tianzhu Mountain Management Committee; Cai Tingting, Vice Mayor of Qianshan Municipal People’s Government; Chu Chengwei, Vice Mayor of Qianshan Municipal People’s Government; and Zhang Tianlai, Chairman of Beijing Mengzhixing Cultural Development Co., Ltd. The well-known CCTV host Han Qiaosheng served as the on-site emcee.

The event was jointly organized by the Chinese Mountaineering Association, the Anhui Provincial Sports Bureau, the Anhui Provincial Tourism Development Commission, and the Anqing Municipal People’s Government. It was hosted by the Qianshan Municipal Committee of the CPC, the Qianshan Municipal People’s Government, the Tianzhu Mountain Scenic Area Management Committee, and Beijing Mengzhixing Cultural Development Co., Ltd. The Publicity Center of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration and the China Greening Foundation provided strong support.

The competition featured three categories: a 40-kilometer canyoning trail race, an 18-kilometer canyoning trail race, and a 5-kilometer public fitness run. Nearly 5,800 mountain and outdoor enthusiasts from 20 countries and regions, including China, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, Spain, Sweden, and Italy, registered to participate. Light rain and mist refreshed the air, bringing a cool breeze to runners and adding a touch of mystery to Tianzhu Mountain.

40km Canyoning Trail Race – Men’s Individual Champion Crossing the Finish Line

40km Canyoning Trail Race – Women’s Individual Champion Crossing the Finish Line

In the end, after 4 hours, 5 minutes and 54 seconds, Wang Zhihu from Guizhou Province won the men’s individual championship in the 40-kilometer canyoning trail race. Tao Bangbin, a runner from Yunnan, claimed first place in the 18-kilometer canyoning trail race for men. Lu Yangchun from Yunnan Province took the women’s title in the 40-kilometer canyoning trail race with a time of 4 hours, 51 minutes and 15 seconds. The women’s champion in the 18-kilometer category was Zhou Lili from Guizhou.

In a post-race interview, Wang Zhihu, the men’s 40-kilometer champion, said: “This is my second consecutive year participating in the Tianzhu Mountain Canyoning Trail Race. This year’s route was even more fun than last year’s. I love the canyoning trail race because, compared to regular trail running, it presents a more diverse and challenging experience—such as roads, dirt paths, mountain trails, staircases, and, of course, the most distinctive part: wading through streams. The cold water is really thrilling. The organization of the race was excellent, and many of my friends and I trust this brand, which is why we keep coming back. My usual training runs max out at 20–30 kilometers, but I joined multiple events and could run at my own pace without distractions—that might be why I won today. I’m overjoyed to have taken the title, and as long as the race continues, I plan to come every year. However, many very capable athletes pushed themselves so hard they cramped and missed out on awards early on.”

Several foreign runners from the Beijing HeyRobics International Running Team became a highlight of the event; most were visiting the beautiful province of Anhui for the first time. This unique race, rich in local natural and historical culture, allowed these urban professionals—usually confined to skyscrapers in big cities—to truly experience the breathtaking scenery of Tianzhu Mountain and the warm hospitality of the people of Qianshan. Thompson from the UK, who completed the 18-kilometer canyoning trail race with great effort, spoke to waiting reporters at the finish line in remarkably fluent Chinese: “It was so tough. After the race, I felt like I’d suddenly turned into an old man with creaky limbs!”

Cao Wei, the chief judge of the competition, explained the event’s organizational efforts: “Due to the sudden onset of rain and cooling temperatures, the biggest risk was hypothermia among athletes during and after the canyoning sections. Fortunately, we had comprehensive contingency plans, increased rescue personnel, and prepared ample thermal blankets and hot ginger soup at aid stations. In addition, to ensure participants could enjoy the race worry-free, we set up a baggage storage service. Athletes could store their personal belongings before the race, which were then transported to designated points at the entry and exit of the canyoning sections. Runners would first put on helmets for head protection at the water entry point, then store their helmets and switch to spare shoes at the exit before continuing the rest of the course. Finally, they collected their stored items at the finish line. Although this added some organizational costs, this thoughtful detail greatly improved the athletes’ experience—and was absolutely worth it. We also increased the supply of electrolyte supplements.”

40km Canyoning Trail Race – Top Three Men’s Individuals

The top three male individuals in the 40-kilometer canyoning trail race were:

Wang Zhihu (Guizhou, 4:05:54)

Luo Tao (Guizhou, 4:07:16)

Cen Wanjiang (Zhejiang, 4:10:16)

40km Canyoning Trail Race – Top Three Women’s Individuals

The top three female individuals in the 40-kilometer canyoning trail race were:

Lu Yangchun (Yunnan, 4:51:15)

Zheng Wenrong (Yunnan, 5:10:51)

Yang Guangmei (Guizhou, 5:11:27)

18km Canyoning Trail Race – Top Three Men’s Individuals

The top three male individuals in the 18-kilometer canyoning trail race were:

Tao Bangbin (Yunnan, 1:39:35)

Cao Pengfei (Anhui, 1:39:54)

Xiao Zuohua (Jiangxi, 1:43:00)

18km Canyoning Trail Race – Top Three Women’s Individuals

The top three female individuals in the 18-kilometer canyoning trail race were:

Zhou Lili (Guizhou, 2:03:57)

Yao Yuzhou (Anhui, 2 hours 04 minutes 43 seconds)

Li Shuangqun (Guizhou, 2 hours 13 minutes 04 seconds)

Tianzhu Mountain Scenic Area is located in the western part of Qianshan City. The area derives its name from its main peak, which resembles a “pillar holding up the sky,” and is hailed as the “Number One Mountain of the Jianghuai Region.” The main peak stands at an elevation of 1,489.8 meters and features renowned cliffs, peculiar rocks, unique caves, mountain streams, waterfalls, and sea of clouds. It ranks among the three most famous mountains in Anhui Province and is one of the birthplaces of Chinese Zen Buddhism. The site preserves precious cultural relics such as the “Stone of Liberation,” the Stupa of the Third Ancestor’s Sarira, and the Cave of the Third Ancestor. Tianzhu Mountain has been designated as one of China’s first National Key Scenic Spots, a National Forest Park, a National AAAAA-level Tourist Attraction, and a UNESCO Global Geopark.

This marks the third consecutive year since 2016 that the International Canyoning and Cross-Country Race has been held in Tianzhu Mountain Scenic Area. The international canyoning and cross-country course developed here takes into account both the characteristics of canyoning competitions and the challenges of mountain trail running, while also showcasing stunning scenery. It embodies the essence of “grandeur, wonder, spirituality, and beauty,” featuring serene deep mountains, bamboo forest trails, mountain streams, and highland waterfalls, as well as cultural elements such as tea plantations, famous temples, ancient paths, old houses, and traditional villages. Compared to previous editions, this year’s event features an optimized course with increased difficulty. It connects mountain and water landscapes with pastoral scenery, and the cumulative elevation gain for the 40-kilometer category has been raised to 2,900 meters. Additionally, the 1.5-kilometer canyoning section, which involves wading through water, is more challenging with greater vertical climbs. The organization has been further improved with advanced electronic timing and tracking systems to ensure athlete safety and fair results. Event supplies are more abundant, and stricter environmental rules for participants have been enforced.