The Xiangxiang 100 International Orienteering Race Series kicked off in Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area, Zhangjiajie, on April 16, 2017.
Nearly 900 orienteers from all over the world participated in the event. They started from the entrance of Tianmen Mountain, and raced along the “Heaven-linking Avenue”, 999 stairs, Tianmen Cave, and Glass Bridge, till the end at Laodaowan Scenic Spot. The combination of sports and travel was the highlight of the race. Marvelous natural landscapes were seen along the route.
This event aimed to promote the Fitness-for-all initiative and combination of sports and travel recommendation under the framework of all-for-one travel, and meanwhile, expand the influence of Zhangjiajie’s travel industry. It was of remarkable significance, as an initial stop of the Xiangxiang 100 Races Series. It is Hunan’s first race recognized by the International Orienteering Federation (IOF). The athletes can get IOF points for the orienteering world ranking.
This orienteering race was hosted by the Hunan Sports Bureau and Zhangjiajie Municipal Government, and undertaken by Zhangjiajie Cultural, Sports, Radio, TV, Press and Publication Bureau. After the race, each participant was presented with an entrance ticket to the scenic area.
Athletes run upstairs towards Tianmen Cave
Athletes race along the winding mountain road-“Heaven-linking Avenue”
Athletes run through the Glass Bridge
Athletes run in the forest on Tianmen Mountain
Translator: Pang Yuehui