2026 Chinese Athletics Association 10KM Elite Series Wuxi Yangshan stop kicks off on March 29. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
About 5,000 runners from China and other countries participated in the 2026 Chinese Athletics Association 10KM Elite Series Wuxi Yangshan stop in Yangshan town, Huishan district, Wuxi, Jiangsu province, on March 29.
The course winds through several scenic areas within the Yangshan Ecological Leisure Tourism Resort, with both the starting and finishing lines set on Peach Heart Island. Runners were treated to views of blooming peach blossoms, rustic countryside and distinctive local landscapes.
Ali Farman from Pakistan and George Tzatzimakis from Greece both highlighted the beauty of the peach blossoms in full bloom. Tzatzimakis, a former member of Greece's national race walking team, said he hopes to return to explore more of Yangshan in the future.
The event featured both a competitive 10-kilometer race and a family-friendly 5-km run, attracting a diverse range of participants, including international runners and those from outside the city.
Joel Pope (Left) and Ajayi Eniade Kabira at the 2026 Chinese Athletics Association 10KM Elite Series Wuxi Yangshan stop. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
"My experience with the 10K race was amazing," said Ajayi Eniade Kabira from Nigeria. "I achieved my personal best score today."
Joel Pope from the United Kingdom, who finished eighth in the 10-km race, described the event as his first competition in seven years and his debut in China. He said the experience boosted his confidence and that he looks forward to running the Wuxi Marathon next year.
The Yangshan stop adhered strictly to the highest standards established by the Chinese Athletics Association for competitive racing. As a result, the outcomes of the event were eligible for submission for national, Asian and world record recognition, and all results were recorded in the official database maintained by the CAA.
Some of the runners pose for a group photo after the race. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
To enhance the event's professionalism, Huishan district upgraded services across the board, including course design, transportation links, safety measures and logistical support. The race was equipped with professional timing chips and timing mats to ensure accurate real-time results, while a large outdoor screen at the finish line allowed spectators to follow the race.
A spring-themed market was also set up at the finish area, showcasing Yangshan's specialty agricultural products, creative items inspired by intangible cultural heritage, and a variety of local foods.
Famous for its honey peaches, Yangshan is leveraging sports events and cultural tourism to drive local development, with its "flower economy" and "race economy" emerging as key highlights of rural tourism.
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