On the morning of March 9, Yongkang West Road in Chongzhou City buzzed with energy. Crowds gathered in excitement as participants in colorful athletic gear filled the streets. Faces beamed with anticipation—some warming up, others capturing the moment with photos, and many itching to hit the ground running. The event was filled with interactive games and performances, adding to the festive atmosphere.

4,500 Runners Hit the Ground Running 

At exactly 9 a.m., the starting gun fired, marking the official kick off of the Xiangfu Garden 2025 Chongzhou Half Marathon. The race brought together 2,000 half-marathon runners and 2,500 fun-run enthusiasts from China and beyond. Together, they set off on one of the most scenic courses, embodying the event’s theme: "Meet Amidst a Sea of Flowers, Run into Spring."

Participants ranged in age from 1 to 77, showcasing the spirit of "Fitness for All, Health for Everyone."

The carefully designed routes for the half marathon and fun run took runners through stunning landscapes, including: The “Tianfu Granary” Core Demonstration Area, the Baita Lake Tourist Route, Zhuyi Village (a national hub of folk culture and arts), the scenic Chongqing Road (one of the most beautiful rural highways), Wuxing Village (a nationally recognized model for rural tourism), the Qimu River Wetland Park (known as the "Water Fairy Tale Forest"). The course was lined with flower fields, forests, and lush farmland, with sunlight, spring water, and charming villages painting a poetic picture of the western Sichuan Plain. Running through the floral landscape, participants felt as if they were moving through a living oil painting, fully immersed in both the beauty of nature and the thrill of the race.

Smiles All Around as Runners 

After an intense competition, Zhang Chaohu claimed first place in the men’s category, finishing in 1 hour, 11 minutes, and 31 seconds. In the women’s category, Wu Jie took the top spot with a time of 1 hour 25 minutes and 48 seconds. Reflecting on the race, Wu Jie shared, "The course was absolutely beautiful today. Along the way, I not only smelled the scent of rapeseed flowers but also caught a whiff of liquor at one point—it made me forget all about the fatigue!"

Smiles All Around as Runners

This year’s "Meet Amidst a Sea of Flowers, Run into Spring" event was more than just a race—it was a multi-dimensional urban experience. By blending flower fields with sports and consumptions, the event seamlessly combined the dynamic energy of a marathon with the cultural and tourism heartbeat of Chongzhou. From flower-themed hotpot feasts to low-altitude aerial tours, from craftsmanship showcased in intangible cultural heritage workshops to the lively buzz of countryside markets, three curated experience routes allowed visitors to run, explore, and immerse themselves in local culture. The event’s strategic use of flower-viewing tourism passports and special consumer vouchers turned “fleeting visitors” into “long-term guests,” boosting both tourism and local engagement.