The 2025 China National Fitness Walking (Running) Competition (Yingshan Station, Sichuan) kicks off with gunfire

Vibrant and passionate, it is the main theme of Yingshan, Sichuan this winter.

On November 15th, the "Healthy Yingshan and Happy Running" 2025 China National Fitness Walking (Running) Competition (Sichuan Yingshan Station) National Urban Linkage Relay Race started as scheduled at the New Era Square in Yingshan County. Despite the drizzling rain that day, more than 8000 runners from 29 provinces and cities across the country still raced passionately along Sichuan's first county-level first ring road track, feeling the urban pulse, cultural heritage, and winter vitality of Yingshan in the humid air, practicing the concept of national fitness with a fighting attitude.

National linkage and vitality gathering ceremony warms up the scene and ignites passion

At around 8am, the host's warm-up voice penetrated through the rain curtain, and on the New Era Square, bright competition uniforms connected in the rain, complementing the silhouette of the distant White Pagoda. On stage, the song and dance performance of "Let's Go Together" made its debut, with the actors dancing in the rain. Despite the rain wetting their clothes, their energy remained undiminished; Subsequently, the melody of 'Joyful Sun Coming Out' began to play, and the rich folk customs of northern Sichuan made runners raise their phones to record.

The professional coach then led all the contestants to warm up, fully activating their physical condition and igniting their enthusiasm for sports. Nine year old Deng Yanxi is stretching with her classmates. "We signed up for the 6-kilometer Happy Race together, and we're going to compete to see who's better!" said her mother, Ms. Deng, as she tidied up her child's raincoat. "I mainly want her to experience the atmosphere of the national competition, and the child is really looking forward to it. He was so excited that he couldn't sleep last night

It is reported that this competition is divided into a 15.6-kilometer National Fitness Run Challenge and a 6-kilometer National Fitness Walk Joy Race. The challenge will place the top 20 in each male and female category, with a maximum prize of 5000 yuan. All participants who complete the race will receive exclusive medals containing camping elements; The Happy Race focuses on participation experience and does not offer ranking bonuses. Participants who finish the race will also receive commemorative medals.

The age range of the participants in this competition is from 4 years old to 73 years old. The reporter learned that through the group competition and full age participation mode, the full chain coverage from professional events to national participation has been achieved, which not only showcases the passion of professional competition, but also conveys the joyful atmosphere of national fitness.

This event is hosted by the Social Sports Guidance Center of the General Administration of Sport of China, organized by the People's Government of Yingshan County, and jointly participated by multiple cities across the country, including Chongming District in Shanghai, Kaizhou District in Chongqing, and Chuanshan District in Suining. Subsequently, the national linkage city flag display, flag handover, and torch handover ceremony were held one after another. When representatives from Chuanshan District, Suining City received the flag and torch, applause erupted from the scene. The flag and torch, reflected in the rain, further highlighted the profound significance of the national fitness spirit being indirectly transmitted in cities across the country.

A loop of tracks, a series of scenery, and multi-dimensional protection to warm people's hearts

At 9 o'clock in the morning, a crisp command sounded, and the 15.6-kilometer challenge participants were the first to break through the starting point. The core track of this competition, Yingshan First Ring Road, is the first county-level city in Sichuan Province. The race route is fully laid out along the ring road, carefully connecting urban landmarks and ecological nodes such as New Era Square, Baita Park, and Furongshui Town, forming a unique experience of "one ring, four scenery, and changing scenery": from the modern atmosphere of New Era Square, to the millennium cultural heritage of Baita, to the antique bluestone road of Furongshui Town, athletes can not only feel the vigorous development of the city, but also appreciate the ecological beauty of "urban landscape integration" while running. After washing in rainy days, the race track becomes cleaner, and the green landscapes on both sides become more verdant, making every run a deep dialogue with Yingshan.

Along the track, the protection of public security forces strengthens the safety defense line for the competition. Police officers wearing reflective raincoats are on duty at key intersections along the race track, setting up temporary isolation zones to guide vehicles around and using loudspeakers to remind pedestrians to pay attention to safety.

The spontaneous cheers of citizens along the way added warmth. Ms. Wang, a resident of Baita Avenue, brought her 5-year-old son to cheer for the contestants. "Seeing the excitement downstairs from the window, I specially brought my child to experience the atmosphere and cheer for the contestants," she said

At the supply station on the southern section of the First Ring Road, volunteer Xiao Li is busy delivering water, small bread, bananas, and other supplies to the contestants. "Each supply point is fully prepared to ensure that the contestants can replenish their energy at any time." The medical team sets up a fixed medical point every 2.5 kilometers, with professional medical staff and mobile rescue forces on duty throughout the process. Ambulances, AED defibrillators, and other equipment are on standby at all times to fully protect the contestants.

The "Stadium Birthday Party" section is particularly warm, with 8 contestants celebrating their birthdays around a cake amidst the cheers of the entire audience. Wu Huiying told reporters, "Celebrating with 8000 people is so ceremonial! I will never forget it in my life

As the host, we will provide the greatest enthusiasm, best service, and strongest guarantee, fulfilling every expectation of coming from afar, and allowing the contestants to come and return with full enjoyment, "said Kong Beichuan, Deputy Secretary of Yingshan County Committee and County Mayor.

Track competition scores high, low, fireworks, Yingshan, continuous circle of fans

After intense competition, Zhang Bangliu from Bijie City, Guizhou Province won the men's championship of the fitness running challenge with a time of 47 minutes and 10 seconds, while Liu Junhui from Bijie City, Guizhou Province won the women's championship with a time of 56 minutes and 23 seconds.

At 10 o'clock in the morning, the first batch of finalists crossed the finish line one after another. Zhang Bangliu held the medal and showed it to the camera: "The medal is based on the map of Yingshan, marked with four iconic buildings such as Yingshan Station and White Pagoda, and fully printed with the full name of the event, which is particularly commemorative

It is worth mentioning that Fang Jing, the champion of the 2017 World U20 Women's Volleyball Championship, also came to Yingshan as a leader to participate in the competition. Yesterday, I specifically went to taste the recommended Yingshan cold noodles, which were particularly delicious! Yingshan is a great city, and I hope to have the opportunity to come to Yingshan to participate in the competition. Fang Jing said that the track is flat and wide, and the guarantee is thoughtful and considerate. The cultural atmosphere and specialty cuisine of Yingshan are impressive.

After the race, many runners walked into the streets and alleys of Yingshan, embarking on a "taste seeking journey". At the "Hometown Cold Noodles" store on Wenlin Road, several tables were packed, and some customers stood on the roadside holding cold noodles and started eating. The boss told reporters, "There were a lot of people who came today. They have sold more than 200 bowls since morning, and many people even asked if they could pack them up and take them away

Yingshan salted duck and Mingde tea have also become popular. Deng Jie, from Qu County, Dazhou, was busy selecting dry salted duck, holding a bag of Mingde tea: "Just now, he tried Red-Stewed Duck in the shop, and was going to buy two vacuum packs to take home. Tea was recommended by friends, which was just a gift."

During the event, all scenic spots in Yingshan County were also open to contestants free of charge, and simultaneously launched the "TESCO Group Yingshan · Huiqi Xincheng" automobile and 3C product consumption promotion activities to promote the deep integration of "sports+cultural tourism+consumption". I heard that Taipeng Mountain is open to participants for free. Tomorrow, I plan to go hiking for oxygen therapy, "Ms. Wang and her friends are checking the itinerary." This time, when I came to Yingshan, not only did I participate in the competition, but I also tasted authentic cuisine. I feel that this small town has a special warmth

"The event is a bridge to let more people know and love Yingshan." Zhang Hua, member of the Standing Committee of the Yingshan County Party Committee and head of the Publicity Department, said that the county will continue to do a good job in the "event+" article, accelerate the creation of the core IP of China's BMX · Yingshan Riding Trail, and continue to create the national fitness brand of "Healthy Yingshan · Happy Running", so that the name card of "Small County Excellent City · Fireworks Yingshan" will become brighter and brighter. (Peng Chuanheng)