Teams from across China took part in a 24-hour endurance sports contest in Dapeng Peninsula, Shenzhen, Guangdong province.

The demanding annual event is currently the longest in China, drawing an increasing number of entries, which this year reached 65 teams.

They had to complete 70 km of mountain biking, 20 km of cross-country running, 12 km of mountain climbing, 2 km of swimming and 4 km of canoeing within the allotted time.

Chen Wenda, the head judge, said the event is a huge test of both mind and body as participants need to cooperate well with teammates to stand a chance of winning.

Contestant Li Ji said the competition is special because it forces everyone to push themselves. "When I finished I told myself I don't want to be in it again, but I know I will come back next year," he said.

Contestants run in the dark as a car approaches during the 24-hour endurance contest in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, Nov 15, 2014. [Photo/CFP]