Athletes compete in the Jiangnan Skyrace cross-country running event in Longquan. [Photo/Tide News]

More than 1,300 cross-country runners from all over China participated in the Jiangnan Skyrace, a high-altitude endurance event held in Longquan, a county-level city administered by Lishui in East China's Zhejiang province, on Oct 14 and 15.

The race, authorized by the International Skyrunning Federation, is one of the world's top cross-country running events. It takes place at 1,929 meters above sea level, the highest point in Zhejiang.

The runners were divided into three groups based on the distance and elevation they had to attempt: the star-picking group (100 kilometers with 7.6 km of ascent), the sky group (60 km with 4.29 km of ascent) and the celadon group (40 km with 3.5 km of ascent).

Along the way, runners got to take in the stunning views of alpine lakes, meadows, forests and clouds.

Liang Disi, a winner of several ultra-marathons and trail races, clinched the title of the star-picking group with a time of 12 hours 37 minutes and 19 seconds.

Liu Peng, who claimed the men's title in the sky group, said he loved the challenge and the scenery of the race and vowed to return next year to compete in the longer distance category.

The Jiangnan Skyrace was launched in 2016 and is now a famous sports event in Zhejiang. It has also promoted the development of sports tourism and rural vitalization in Longquan.