NANJING — On a brisk spring morning, thousands of runners in peach-blossom-themed shirts created a sea of pink, setting off along a 10-kilometer course winding through peach orchards, farmhouses and the soft glow of the season.
The race, held in late March in Yangshan town in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, is an example of how sporting events are being woven into broader efforts to revitalize rural areas across the country.
Yangshan is known as the hometown of honey peaches. Each spring, nearly 2,500 hectares of peach trees burst into full bloom, filling the air with a delicate fragrance and turning the racecourse into a scenic corridor through flowering orchards.
Among the pacers was Wang Liping, the race walking gold medal-winner at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. For her, the experience was almost surreal. "It's my first time here. The moment I stepped onto the course, I was surrounded by peach blossoms," she says. "It feels like running through a painting; truly a one-of-a-kind experience."
Joel Pope, a British kindergarten teacher based in Wuxi, also completed the course in his first long-distance race since arriving in China seven years ago.
An avid runner, Pope found both the setting and the atmosphere memorable. "The place is beautiful. There are peach flowers, and the atmosphere is really nice," he says."The roads are very peaceful, which is perfect for long-distance running. When you're out there, you're surrounded by nature."
For Yangshan, however, the peach blossom race is more than a celebration of spring. Its postcard-like charm has also become an economic driver.
A seasonal market sprang up near the finish line, offering everything from peach wood carvings and cultural souvenirs to a wide range of local delicacies. Runners and their families lingered, browsed, and sampled, turning the morning event into a full-day rural getaway.
"Many participants and their families arrived early and stayed for a few days. Our rooms have been fully booked," says Fu Yatao, who runs a local homestay.
"By blending flower viewing, sports and leisure, the event has drawn urban visitors seeking a countryside retreat and a taste of spring charm," Fu adds.
According to the organizers, around 5,000 runners participated, attracting more than 10,000 visitors, including supporters. These figures do not account for additional tourists drawn by the festive atmosphere.
For local peach grower Gao Miaojie, who ran in the family category with her son, the event was a point of pride. "To see so many visitors come to our doorstep is incredible," she says. "They come to enjoy the blossoms in spring and will return in summer to pick peaches. That's how our reputation grows."
March marks the peak season for races across many Chinese cities, coinciding with a surge in spring travel. At the recent Wuxi Marathon, runners passed through cherry blossom-lined routes and lakeside scenery, turning the contest of speed and endurance into an immersive seasonal journey.
The Wuxi Marathon drew runners from around the world, with more than 495,000 applicants, a record high for marathon entries in China. Of the 35,000 participants, 91.4 percent came from outside the host city.
According to local sports authorities, the marathon generated more than 510 million yuan ($74 million) in direct economic activity across dining, lodging, transportation, and tourism.
"Sport has become a powerful vehicle," Wang says. "In Yangshan, I saw many runners from other regions. A single race can integrate agriculture, culture, tourism, and sports, showcasing local specialties while telling the story of honey peach cultivation."
"For many people, traveling to a city for a race becomes a reason to bring the family," she adds. "It's not just about running; you want to experience the city's culture, history and cuisine, and truly embrace its charm."
