Attendants run through a desert poplar forest during the race. On Oct 16, the 2016 China-Ejin International Desert Poplar Forest Half Marathon began in Ejin Banner, Alxa League, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, during which 1,500 runners from 27 provinces in China and other foreign countries took part. Distinct from other celebrated marathon races, the Ejin half marathon is the ninth stop of the China 550 Countryside Marathon Series, which seeks out the most beautiful routes across China, along with combining sports with tourism for fun running. [Photo/nmgnews.com]

Runners pass through one of three desert poplar forests in the world during the race. The half marathon saw 1,500 runners from 27 provinces in China and other foreign countries participate. Located in the northwest of Inner Mongolia, Ejin Banner possesses one of three existing desert poplar (also known as Euphrates poplar or populous euphratica) forests in the world. During the race, runners can enjoy the spectacular landscape of the area, particularly the colorful autumn scenery. [Photo/Xinhua]