At 8:30 AM 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. This marked yet another large-scale, high-standard international sporting event held in Tianzhu Mountain following Qianshan’s transition from a county to a city. The successful hosting of this race plays a significant role in further enhancing the tourism city image of Tianzhu Mountain and Qianshan, promoting the "Sports for All, Tourism for All" brand, and driving the sustained and healthy economic and social development of the region.
The leaders and guests present at the opening ceremony included: Li Wenmao, Director of the New Projects Department at 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 [surname incomplete], 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 Lüxin, World Champion Diver; Mandan, Leading Figure in Chinese 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 CPPCC; Tu Gaosheng, Member of the Standing Committee of the Qianshan Municipal Committee of the CPC and Deputy Director of Tianzhu Mountain Management Committee; Cai Tingting, Vice Mayor of Qianshan City; Chu Chengwei, Vice Mayor of Qianshan City; and Zhang Tianlai, Chairman of Beijing Mengzhixing Cultural Development Co., Ltd. The event was hosted on-site by renowned CCTV host Han Qiaosheng.
The event was jointly organized by the Chinese Mountaineering Association, the Anhui Provincial Sports Bureau, the Anhui Provincial Tourism Development Commission, and the People’s Government of Anqing City, and hosted by the Qianshan Municipal Committee of the CPC, the People’s Government of Qianshan City, 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 UK, France, Australia, Spain, Sweden, and Italy, registered for the event. Light rain and mist cooled the heat, bringing a refreshing feel to the runners and adding an air of mystery to Tianzhu Mountain.
The men's champion of the 40-kilometer canyoning & trail individual race crosses the finish line
The women's champion of the 40-kilometer canyoning & trail individual race crosses the finish line
Ultimately, after 4 hours, 5 minutes and 54 seconds, Wang Zhihu from Guizhou Province won the men's championship in the 40-kilometer canyoning & trail individual race. The first place in the men's 18-kilometer canyoning & trail individual race went to Tao Bangbin from Yunnan. Lu Yangchun from Yunnan Province claimed the women's title in the 40-kilometer canyoning & trail individual race with a time of 4 hours, 51 minutes and 15 seconds. The first place in the women's 18-kilometer canyoning & trail individual race went to Zhou Lili from Guizhou.
Wang Zhihu, the men's 40-kilometer champion, said in a post-race interview: "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 offers more diverse and challenging terrain—such as roads, dirt paths, mountain trails, and staircases. Of course, the most distinctive feature is wading through streams. The cold water is really thrilling. The organization of the race is excellent, and many friends and I trust this brand, which is why we keep coming back. Normally, my training runs are at most 20–30 kilometers, but competing more often allows me to run at my own pace and rhythm without distractions. Maybe that’s why I won today. I’m really happy to win; as long as the race continues, I plan to come every year. However, many very capable athletes pushed themselves so hard today they cramped and lost their chance to win early on."
Several foreign runners from the HeyRobics International Running Team based in Beijing became highlights of the race; most were visiting the beautiful province of Anhui for the first time. This uniquely local event, rich in natural beauty and historical culture, gave these expat office workers—who usually spend their days in high-rise corporate buildings in big cities—a genuine taste of Tianzhu Mountain’s stunning landscapes and the warm hospitality of the people of Qianshan. Thompson from the UK, who completed the 18-kilometer canyoning & trail category with great effort, specifically used very fluent Chinese to tell reporters waiting at the finish line: "It was so tough. After the race, I felt like I had suddenly turned into an 'old man with old bones'!"
Cao Wei, the chief judge of the race, introduced the event’s organizational efforts: "This time, due to the sudden drop in temperature and rainfall, the biggest risk was hypothermia among athletes during the canyoning sections and after exiting the water. Fortunately, we had comprehensive contingency plans, deployed additional rescue personnel, and prepared ample thermal blankets and hot ginger soup at aid stations. In addition, to ensure everyone could enjoy the race worry-free, we set up gear storage services. Athletes could leave personal belongings in a designated area before the race, which would then be transported to storage points near the entry and exit points of the water sections. Participants would first put on safety helmets for the canyoning section at the water entry point, then store their helmets and change into spare shoes at the exit point before continuing the rest of the race. Finally, they could retrieve their stored items at the finish line. While this added some organizational costs, this thoughtful detail greatly improved the athletes’ experience—and was well worth it. We also increased the supply of electrolyte replenishment."
Top three in the men's 40-kilometer canyoning & trail individual race
The top three male finishers in the 40-kilometer canyoning & trail individual race are:
Wang Zhihu (Guizhou, 4:05:54)
Luo Tao (Guizhou, 4:07:16)
Cen Wanjiang (Zhejiang, 4:10:16)
Top three in the women's 40-kilometer canyoning & trail individual race
The top three female finishers in the 40-kilometer canyoning & trail individual race are:
Lu Yangchun (Yunnan, 4:51:15)
Zheng Wenrong (Yunnan, 5:10:51)
Yang Guangmei (Guizhou, 5:11:27)
Top three in the men's 18-kilometer canyoning & trail individual race
The top three male finishers in the 18-kilometer canyoning & trail individual race are:
Tao Bangbin (Yunnan, 1:39:35)
Cao Pengfei (Anhui, 1:39:54)
Xiao Zuohua (Jiangxi, 1:43:00)
Top three in the women's 18-kilometer canyoning & trail individual race
The top three female finishers in the 18-kilometer canyoning & trail individual race are:
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 reaching to the sky,” and is hailed as the “Number One Mountain of the Jianghuai Region.” With its main peak standing at an elevation of 1,489.8 meters, the scenic area 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 Trail Running Race has been held in Tianzhu Mountain Scenic Area. The international canyoning and trail running course developed here takes into account both the characteristics of canyoning competitions and the challenges of mountain trail running, while also showcasing breathtaking scenery. It embodies the elements of “grandeur, wonder, spirituality, and beauty,” featuring serene deep mountains, bamboo forest paths, mountain streams, and high-altitude waterfalls, as well as cultural elements such as tea plantations, famed temples, ancient roads, old houses, and traditional villages. Compared to previous editions, this year’s race features optimized courses and increased difficulty levels. The route weaves together mountain and water landscapes along with pastoral scenery. The 40-kilometer category now includes a cumulative elevation gain of 2,900 meters, with a particularly challenging 1.5-kilometer section involving wading through streams and greater vertical climbs. The organization has been further improved, utilizing advanced electronic timing and tracking systems to ensure athlete safety and fair results. There is also a more ample supply of race materials, and stricter environmental rules have been enforced for participants during the event.