A total of 5,000 runners took part in this year's Yangshan Half Marathon in the beautiful "honey peach town" of Yangshan, Wuxi on Sunday.

The event, held in Yangshan for the third time, has grown in size this year, and includes a half marathon spanning 21.0975 kilometers with 3,000 runners and a six-kilometer mini-marathon with 2,000 runners.

Abdu Endris from Ethiopia finishes the half-marathon in 1 hour 8 minutes and 6 seconds. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Abdu Endris from Ethiopia took home the title for the men's half marathon with a record-breaking time of 1 hour 8 minutes and 6 seconds, while Lucy Nthenya from Kenya won the title for the women's half marathon with a record-breaking time of 1 hour 18 minutes and 46 seconds.

Chinese athletes Dong Shiyun and Pan Tingting took second and third place in the women's half marathon.

Dong was impressed by the beautiful rural views along the routes and said she would like to invite her friends to come to Wuxi as well.

Runners are dressed in traditional Chinese costumes. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

As the first ever rural half marathon in Jiangsu province to be authorized by the Chinese Athletic Association, the Yangshan Half Marathon runs along the central area of the Yangshan Ecological Tourism Resort and passes through acres of pink peach forest.

The medal, featuring peach flowers on both sides, attracts visitors from all over the world to the Yangshan Peach Blossom Festival as well.

The month-long peach blossom festival, lasting until April 15, features the flowers at their absolute best, and includes various events, including a balloon tour.

Participants run through the countryside at the foot of Yangshan Mountain. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]