The 39th Taishan Mountain International Climbing Festival was launched in Tai'an, Shandong, on Sept 8, with over 3,000 professional athletes and 8,000 fitness enthusiasts from around the world gathering to compete at the foot of the sacred mountain.

After an intense race, Chinese veteran Li Zicheng successfully defended his title, winning the men's youth division with a time of 59 minutes and 52 seconds. The women's youth title was taken by a Kenyan athlete, who finished in 1 hour, 11 minutes, and 25 seconds.

A native of Zaozhuang, Shandong, Li has been participating in the event since 2007.

"This was my final race in the youth category, and I'm very satisfied with the result," he said.

"It no longer feels like just a competition — more like reuniting with an old friend and rediscovering the cultural charm of Taishan Mountain," said Li.

The competition featured youth, middle-aged, and senior divisions — each with separate men's and women's categories for participants aged 18 to 65.

The youth division concluded at the summit (Jade Emperor Peak), while the middle-aged and senior groups finished at Nantianmen (South Heaven Gate) and Zhongtianmen (Central Heaven Gate), respectively.

First held in 1987, the Taishan Mountain International Climbing Festival is China’s oldest comprehensive mountain-themed event combining sports, culture, and economic exchange.

The 39th Taishan Mountain International Climbing Festival is launched in Tai'an, Shandong, on Sept 8. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]