Runners set out on the Wangcunkou Red Army Ancient Path Cross-Country Race in Lishui on May 28. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The Wangcunkou Red Army Ancient Path Cross-Country Race kicked off in Wangcunkou town, Suichang county, Lishui on May 28.

In line with this year's overarching theme, "Celebrating the Hangzhou Asian Games and Building a Beautiful and Prosperous Suichang," the competition was divided into three distinct races: a formidable 42-kilometer race, a slightly less formidable 21-kilometer race, and a moderately challenging 10-kilometer race.

Now in its fifth edition, the race has evolved into a distinguished sporting event cultivated under the auspices of Zhejiang province.

Dong Jiandong, who participated in the event, said that after participating in numerous races across China, none have captivated him as profoundly as this one. The ambiance exuding from this sacred ground of revolution seemed to imbue him with an otherworldly vigor.

In recent years, Suichang has pursued its vision of becoming the preeminent "outdoor sports destination" in the Yangtze River Delta region. Guided by the foundational principles of ecological athletics, the county has nurtured a diverse array of sporting events.