In the height of summer, Kongtong Mountain stands proudly like the spine of a giant dragon, towering above the surrounding peaks and piercing the clouds. On the morning of June 29, the opening ceremony of the 2014 3rd China Fitness Mountains · Kongtong Mountain Mountain Climbing Race was grandly held in the scenic Kongtong Ancient Town, nestled by the mountains and the water. Attendees at the opening ceremony included Mr. Xù Chuān, Party Committee Secretary of the Chinese Mountaineering Association, Dr. Zhāng Zhìjiān, Secretary-General of the Chinese Mountaineering Association, Mr. Lì Sè, Deputy Secretary-General of the China Scenic Area Association, General Sòng Jǔpǔ, Director of the Photography Professional Committee of the China Scenic Area Association, as well as guests from various prefecture-level cities in Gansu and various sectors of Pingliang City.
The China Fitness Mountains Mountain Climbing Race is jointly organized by the Chinese Mountaineering Association and the China Scenic Area Association, and hosted by Shanshuiminghe (Beijing) Culture Communication Co., Ltd. This year marks the third edition of the event, with the scale growing steadily. Nearly 1,300 athletes and outdoor enthusiasts from across the country participated in the first stop of the race held at Kongtong Mountain, competing in four categories: men’s and women’s speed climbing, family group, and fitness group. After fierce competition, Gāo Yǒngníng from Gansu won the men’s speed category, and Gàn Xuě from Beijing took the women’s speed title, with finishing times of 45 minutes 47 seconds and 55 minutes 13 seconds respectively, claiming the championships atop Kongtong Mountain.
According to Wáng Jiābīn, Secretary-General of the event’s organizing committee, in line with the race philosophy of “100 Famous Mountains, 100 Dreams,” this year’s event not only featured regular competitions but also included a variety of culture promotion and charity activities with local Gansu characteristics, such as the “Famous Mountains on the Tip of the Tongue” and “One Famous Mountain, One Primary School.” Additionally, a special treasure hunt activity titled “Climb the Famous Mountain, Find the Treasure” was launched, allowing nearly 900 fitness group participants and around 100 family group athletes to experience the excitement and fun of a treasure hunt during the climb. They received a range of novel and locally distinctive treasures prepared by the organizing committee and the Kongtong Mountain venue, truly making “the mountain more fun.”
At 9:30 a.m., the race officially began. It is reported that the race started from the North Gate of Dingbei in Kongtong Ancient Town, passing through picturesque sites such as Juxian Bridge, Dantzhen Lake, Wenda Palace, and Wangmu Palace, before finally reaching the finish line at Jing Le Palace. The total race distance was 8,419 meters with an elevation change of 701 meters, providing an excellent platform for athletes to challenge themselves and create miracles. As the host of the first leg of the 2014 China Fitness Mountains, the Kongtong Mountain venue—known as the “No.1 Taoist Mountain”—also attracted over 10 Taoist priests and monks to participate in the race, becoming a beautiful sight along the course.
From acts of kindness to the emergence of public welfare themes; from the smiles between people to the unity of hearts, the hurried footsteps never ceased. The 2014 China Fitness Mountains Organizing Committee will select one mountainous primary school in each of the five sub-venue areas for a one-on-one charitable donation initiative. On the morning of June 30 at 8 a.m., the first donation ceremony of the “One Famous Mountain, One Primary School” program will be held at Hánjiāgōu Primary School in Kongtong Mountain. Stationery and sports items such as books and basketballs, filled with love from all sectors of society, will be delivered to Hánjiāgōu Primary School. Beyond material donations, the China Fitness Mountains Organizing Committee will also invite notable individuals to give physical education classes to the children, striving to fulfill the brand event's commitment to society.
Beyond the race itself, the three-day 2014 China · Pingliang Kongtong Cultural Tourism Festival was also held concurrently, featuring 11 vibrant cultural activities. These included fitness aerobics competitions, demonstrations and experiences of traditional Chinese medicine wellness skills, performances of Pingliang folk culture, exhibitions and sales of Pingliang specialty snacks, and the “China · Kongtong Wellness Land” photography exhibition… The diverse range of events provided a comprehensive and multi-faceted experience, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in the unique charm of Kongtong Mountain and enjoy a feast of sports and culture.
The 2014 China Fitness Mountains · Kongtong Mountain Mountain Climbing Race marked the second encounter between the China Fitness Mountains event and Kongtong Mountain—a brand-new sporting extravaganza and a journey of competition and dream fulfillment for all participants. Though the precious journey may appear ordinary on the surface, the happiness brought by striving and surpassing oneself leads to a spiritual elevation. The journey of 2014 has turned its first page, with the next four legs set to unfold at Gānzhi Mountain in Gansu, Huà Mountain in Shaanxi, Yì Mountain in Shandong, and Luófú Mountain in Guangdong. Let us look forward to it together!