The trail running event at Songhua Lake, Jilin province. [Video provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

A thrilling trail running event took place at Songhua Lake from Sept 4 to 6, attracting nearly 10,000 runners from 21 countries and regions, including the United States, South Korea, Germany, and Singapore.

Runners ready for the competition at the starting line. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

The event featured a wide range of races, from 100-kilometer, 55-km, 30-km, 20-km, and 10-km professional and mass categories to a 10-km parent-child and a 5-km fun run, catering to elite trail runners, recreational participants, and families alike.

The 100-km race set off at night on Sept 4, sending runners into the mountains under the stars, while other races started on Sept 5 and 6, taking participants through forests and along the lakeshore to experience the beauty of Songhua Lake in autumn.

More than 80 percent of the course consisted of natural, unpaved trails, including repurposed winter ski runs, linking mountain scenery with lake views. The event also upgraded transportation, safety, and tourism services, with 18 aid stations serving Northeast Chinese specialties, professional rescue boats, and satellite communication devices on long-distance sections.

A Northeast China-themed market showcasing intangible cultural heritage products and local specialties also helped connect the race to regional culture and tourism.