Runners revel in muddy mayhem

China's ever-expanding army of marathoners and fitness freaks are increasingly keen to get off the beaten track.

The sight of 3,000 people plodding, splashing, climbing and crawling through a muddy, obstacle-peppered 'battlefield' in Beijing's Olympic Forest Park on Saturday was testament to the growing demand for more novel challenges.

The eight-kilometer course featured 25 obstacles, including high walls, swamp and ice river, taking their inspiration from history, such as World War I's Battle of Verdun.

"X-Mudder is an obstacle race that features military factors. It has been an extravaganza for not only marathon runners but also military fans to break all their limits and have a taste of battlefields," said Huang Sichen, the founder of Beijing Beetle International Sports & Culture Co. Ltd, which organized the race.

"We want to attract runners who have adventurous spirits and who dare to face the challenges of our race."

Since its debut in 2015, the race has attracted over 80,000 runners in six cities across China, averaging fields of around 4,000.

After races in Shanghai and Beijing, X-Mudder heads to Chengdu, Sichuan province, in August.

"Lots of the obstacles were very challenging for me," said Bai Yong, an X-Mudder first-timer.

"For example, an obstacle called the Golan Heights is a U-shaped slope that is very high and steep. To reach the top, you need to have really good arm and leg strength. When I finally climbed to the top, I was so proud of myself."

X-Mudder is also a magnet for fitness professionals.

"Everyone has his or her comfort zone, and stepping out of it requires great courage," said professional trainer Qian Liang.

"X-Mudder is actually a great opportunity for runners to get rid of their sense of security and to break their limits. To win over yourself is the point of the race."

The event is yet another example of China's booming marathon and running market.

According to the Chinese Athletics Association, 2.8 million people took part in 328 registered long-distance running events across China in 2016.

The association said that over 600 races, attracting about five million runners, were staged by the end of 2017, almost 20 times the number of events held five years ago.

Although there is no exact number for themed events like X-Mudder, race organizer Huang reports a spike in demand.

"The market for themed runs is booming," he said. "Because these runs are not just for die-hard runners or marathon enthusiasts, they are very suitable for people living in urban areas to find a new style to release their pressure and push their own limits."

Qian concurred.

"Everyone has their own comfort zone and it needs huge courage to break out of it," he said. "Races like X-Mudder give people a chance to have a feeling of losing safety. It doesn't mean you're not safe in the race. It's an experience to feel it and break that limit."