(Photo/Chinanews.com)

China’s first 50km ultra-marathon took place on March 31 in Lishui City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, attracting a total of 13,500 domestic and foreign contestants to various events including the ultra-marathon, half-marathon, and mini-marathon, Chinanews.com reported on April 1.

Chinese runner Cen Wanjiang and Yao Miao won the men’s and women’s ultra-marathon championship, which has been recognized by the International Association of Ultrarunners.

The ultra-marathon, “2019 Lishui Ultra Marathon”, was jointly hosted by the Chinese Athletic Association, Sports Bureau of Zhejiang Province and Lishui municipal government, and co-organized by the sports bureau of Lishui City and Zhejiang Marathons and Running Association (ZMRA).

Cen Wanjiang claims men's title. (Photo/Chinanews.com)

The marathon covered a variety of landscapes including urban areas, greenways, wetlands parks, and rural areas, which enabled the runners to enjoy the unique charm of the local scenery.

Moreover, a dedicated mini program was launched by the organizers of the event, providing smart services and information about the surrounding scenic spots, restaurants, hotels and guesthouses.

Yao Miao wins women's championship. (Photo/Chinanews.com)

Long praised for its outstanding ecological environment, Lishui has been adhering to the green development path and giving priority to environmentalism for many years. The city has also attached great importance to sport and held many large sporting events and activities, winning itself such honors as “top ten sports cities in China,” “the home of draughts in China,” and “the home of Chinese Go.”