[Photo by Yang Feiyue/China Daily]

Nearly 800 participants from 12 countries and regions, including Switzerland, the United States and Italy, competed in cross-country contests in early September.

The races, hosted by Chinese sporting-event organizer Migu Running, were part of the Skyrunner World Series approved by the International Skyrunning Federation.

Runners competed in 60-kilometer, 30-km and 10-km routes through Gansu's distinctive Danxia landforms, the Gobi Desert, mountains, valleys and craters.

"The competition was extremely demanding," says Italian Francesca Canepa, who won the gold medal in the women's 60-km category, clocking in at eight hours and 15 seconds.

Chinese contestants took gold in the men's 60-km and 30-km, and the women's 30-km categories.

"I felt helpless and frustrated when I got lost in the vast Gobi," says Yang Pengsheng, who won the 30-km race, crossing the finish line in three hours, 33 minutes and 18 seconds.

"I couldn't see anyone anywhere. But the view was unforgettable. I eventually found my way and overcame all my negative energy."

The sweeping landscapes' rugged topography is perfect for cross-country competitions, the race's director Etienne Rodriguez says.

The 10-km route was added this year to enhance accessibility.