Prince Bai Ma Explores the Kingdom of Women: The Mysterious Bai Ma Marathon at Lugu Lake

On June 13, the 26th stop of the "Colorful Yunnan Bai Ma Series" commenced at Lugu Lake in Lijiang, known as the Oriental Kingdom of Women. The Mosuo people, who inhabit this mysterious "Kingdom of Women," follow a walking marriage tradition where "men do not marry and women do not wed." The Bai Ma Series Lugu Lake stop presented a challenge with the theme "Goddesses' Marathon."

The 26th Stop of the "Colorful Yunnan Bai Ma Series" Kicks Off at Lugu Lake in Lijiang

Today’s starting point for the "Bai Ma Series" was set at the entrance gate of the Lugu Lake Scenic Area. The race site was shrouded in continuous light rain, with lush pine forests and dreamy thick fog stretching as far as the eye could see. Before the start, beautiful Mosuo girls performed traditional songs and dances on-site. The "goddesses," dressed in gorgeous costumes, sang and danced with poise, their gracefully swaying pleated skirts resembling blooming azaleas.

Before the race, beautiful Mosuo girls performed traditional songs and dances on-site

Mosuo girls

The Mosuo people, who live by Lugu Lake, have a total population of less than 50,000. They have their own language and still maintain the traditional matrilineal way of life. Aside from Jin Feibao and his full-course accompanying guest Zhang Ming, all other accompanying guests for today’s Lugu Lake leg were female, perfectly aligning with the theme of the Kingdom of Women. At 8:00 AM sharp, accompanied by the Mosuo "goddesses," the 26th stop of the "Bai Ma Series" officially began.

Runners on the move

Lugu Lake is located at the border between Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, with an elevation of 2,685 meters, making it the highest-altitude lake in Yunnan Province. The lake boasts picturesque scenery and simple local customs. Today’s starting point began at the entrance of the Lugu Lake Scenic Area, running downhill through vast pine forests, and from the viewing platform, one could see Lugu Lake—like a sapphire. Unfortunately, heavy fog obscured the view, completely veiling the lake.

Mosuo girls cheer on runners along the way

The race route ran alongside Lugu Lake, made a turnaround at the Yongning turnaround point, and finished at Lige Garden, covering a total distance of 42.195 kilometers. This course is one of the best for taking in the natural beauty of Lugu Lake. When runners reached Luoshui Village, the clouds gradually parted, revealing the stunning true face of Lugu Lake. The sight of Lugu Lake in the rain was breathtakingly beautiful. Surrounded by verdant mountains, colorful wooden boats floated calmly on the lake’s surface, while the graceful Gemu Goddess Mountain stood like a serene goddess lying in the lake, quietly guarding the people by Lugu Lake. At 2:20 PM, Jin Feibao and fellow runners successfully completed the first challenge of the Lugu Lake leg. Tomorrow, they will continue running around the lake to further explore the "Kingdom of Women."

Since September 4, 2010, after completing the Yantai International Marathon, Jin Feibao once vowed to run 100 marathons before turning 60. To date, Jin has completed 100 full marathons in over 40 countries and regions worldwide, fulfilling his dream of becoming the "Prince of 100 Marathons." However, to promote Yunnan, he reset his previous running records and prepared to embark on a new chapter with the challenge of 100 marathons in 100 days. Therefore, today’s run at Lugu Lake is truly the "Prince of 100 Marathons Explores the Kingdom of Women."