On April 21, the 2024 National Race Walking Grand Prix 2 and the 2024 Chongqing Guangyang Isle Brisk Walking were held in Guangyang Isle, Chongqing. More than 200 professional athletes and 500 sports enthusiasts shared their passion for sports on this beautiful isle, realizing the integration of competitive sports and national fitness.

More than 200 athletes gather in Guangyang Isle

There were seven events in the Grand Prix: Men's and Women's Adult Group 20km Walk, Men's and Women's Youth Group 10km Walk, Men's Junior Group A 10km Walk, Women's Junior Group A 5km Walk, and Men's Junior Group B 5km Walk. A total of 257 professional athletes from 30 teams from provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions across the country participated in the competition.

The competition was held in Guangyang Isle, known as the "Scenic Eye of the Yangtze River and Ecological Island of Chongqing." Along the highway, ring tracks are beautiful scenery and rich historical and cultural resources, which provide a good competition environment for runners.

The Men's and Women's Adult Group 20km Walk events were held in the morning. After fierce competition, Xu Hao from Sichuan and Yang Liujing from Shaanxi won the championship with a result of 1h21'45'' and 1h31'18'', respectively.

In the afternoon, Long Zhengyin from Yunnan and Huang Danxun from Sichuan won the championship in 40'19'' and 47'33'', respectively, in the Men's and Women's Youth Group 10km Walk events.

500 people enjoy the spring while walking

On the same day, Chongqing Guangyang Isle Brisk Walking was held in parallel with the Grand Prix for professional athletes. It attracted more than 500 sports enthusiasts.

In April, Guangyang Isle is picturesque and vibrant. At 8:00, the activity started on time. A total of 500 sports enthusiasts embarked on a brisk walk in the balmy spring, embracing nature, appreciating the beautiful landscapes, and savoring the joy of outdoor exercise and healthy living.

The oldest participant was 76 years old, and the youngest was only 3. Some walked with friends, and some walked with families. Although the five-kilometer distance may not have been long, it was enough for the general public to experience the atmosphere of the national fitness campaign.

Ms. Tan, a teacher at Chongqing Nankai (Rongqiao) Secondary School, is an enthusiast of marathon running. This time, she brought 20-plus students to this activity, saying they were all very happy and that long-distance brisk walking could help strengthen their willpower.

Mr. Li, the oldest participant, is 76 years old this year and is a seasoned sports enthusiast. He said, "I feel healthy and happy during the brisk walking. I hope that more similar sports activities can be held in the future. Age is not a problem for fitness. You can participate in more sports activities as long as you are in good health."

After completing the brisk walking, many participants came to the 2024 National Race Walking Grand Prix 2 venue to watch this high-level professional event and feel the sportsmanship of competitors up close. Through the sound atmosphere created by competitive sports, the activity perfectly integrated competitive sports and mass sports and led to the development of the national fitness campaign.