Mountain Running Race Shines in East China's Deqing

As the crisp autumn air enveloped Mogan Mountain, the sound of the starting gun resonated, prompting hundreds of headlamps to flicker to life. These beacons of light snaked upward like a vivid dragon, marking the commencement of the 2025 Kailas Mogan Mountain Running Race.

Scheduled from October 24 to 26 in Deqing County, Eastern China's Zhejiang Province, the event has attracted over 10,000 participants worldwide. This remarkable turnout underscores a significant increase from the mere 800 participants recorded in 2017.

This year’s race features an impressive five categories, offering distances ranging from 10 to 100 kilometers across 14 batches. The event has benefited from substantial upgrades in funding and staffing, ensuring high-quality services. Moreover, over 200 international runners participated, while the race itself was live-streamed to showcase breathtaking mountain vistas.

At the base of the mountain, a tourism carnival drew 10,000 visitors to Yu Street in Deqing County, where over 60 booths provided a vibrant mix of cultural and entertainment experiences. The carnival highlighted a wide range of offerings including agricultural products, intangible cultural heritage exhibits, and creative goods, evidencing the area's rich cultural tapestry.

The adage 'One runner, one family vacation' has gained traction at Mogan Mountain. Last year, the race attracted 20,000 overnight tourists, ultimately generating over 15 million yuan in revenue from accommodations. The event's extension to three days in 2025 resulted in an impressive uptick in overnight visitors to 30,000, leading to full bookings at more than 150 bed-and-breakfast establishments.

Overall, the Kailas Mogan Mountain Running Race has transformed into a robust engine for regional development, bolstering the local economy while highlighting Zhejiang's natural beauty and cultural richness. This growth reflects a positive trend in combining sports with tourism, illustrating how events can enhance community engagement and economic vitality.