Fushan cherries take spotlight in racing event held in Yantai

Participants run on the picturesque race track. [Photo/WeChat account: fsxcbfzfs]

The "Scenic Yinhu Lake" Fushan Cherry Run held on June 15 attracted over 3,000 runners from countries such as France and South Korea. Participants immersed themselves in the natural beauty and cultural charm of Fushan district, Yantai, Shandong province, during the race.

The event includes a 21-kilometer category and a 5-kilometer category. Competitors started from the Menglou Reservoir and enjoyed a charming race course that highlighted the fusion of natural scenery, campus culture, and urban landscapes.

A runner grabs some cherries, the most famous specialty of Yantai's Fushan district, from the supply station. [Photo/WeChat account: fsxcbfzfs]

A highlight of the race was the incorporation of the locally renowned specialty — cherries — into the athletes' supply provisions.

Fushan cherries, with a cultivation history of over 150 years, have thrived in high-calcium sandy loam soil and a coastal climate, giving rise to fruit with thick flesh and small pits. With an annual output value of 1.8 billion yuan ($250 million), Fushan is hailed as the "Hometown of Chinese Cherries".

Through an innovative model that combines sports and agriculture, this event extended the cherry industry chain, empowering both event promotion and agricultural brand building.