Chongqing hosts 10th international high-heel color run

CHONGQING, April 26 (Xinhua) -- The 2025 "Love Fuling" Consumption Season and the 10th International High-Heel Color Run kicked off on Saturday at the Mexin Red Wine Town in Fuling District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality.

The event attracted over 100 participants from more than 10 countries and regions, including Poland, Thailand, Zimbabwe, and Pakistan, all racing in high heels with a minimum height of seven centimeters, blending sports, fashion, and tourism in a vibrant celebration.

First launched in 2014, the International High-Heel Color Run has been held in Fuling for over a decade and is now regarded as one of China's most creative and popular fun runs. This year's event embraced the theme "Running for Ten Years, Forward with Passion," highlighting international flair and fashionable energy. The race is open to participants of all genders and nationalities, inviting anyone brave enough to run in high heels to join.

This year's race featured a variety of exciting challenges, including a 100-meter sprint, obstacle courses, and a mystery shoe run. Alongside the competitions, there were creative costume contests, a mass fitness run, a night market, and an outdoor music festival, transforming the event into a dynamic showcase of the integration of sports, culture, and tourism.

Set amidst picturesque natural scenery and styled after European wineries, Meixin Red Wine Town offered an immersive tourism experience. During the event, organizers introduced various discounts, including promotional park passes and cable car ticket packages.

Hotels and guesthouses in the scenic area provided special offers for runners and visitors. Over 100,000 yuan (about $13,723) in prizes and cultural gift packs featuring local specialties such as Fuling pickles and black pork rice dumplings were also prepared for participants.

"It's my first time running in high heels, and it feels fresh and fun," said Meili, a student from Zimbabwe studying at the International School of Yangtze Normal University. "This event helped me better understand Chongqing and make more Chinese friends. I hope to join similar events in other Chinese cities in the future."

"Santa, a runner from Thailand, said sports can bring people together and spread unity and love. As a student in China, he found more and more Chinese joined running and even marathon, "I will definitely join this event next year if I get the chance."

After a hard-fought race, Zheng Wendi won the women's division with a time of 15:41, while Liu Qingsong won the men's division, clocking 13:20. International competitors also received participation honors.

In recent years, Fuling has actively promoted the integration of sports, culture, and tourism by developing unique international IP events aimed at enhancing the city's image and sharing China's creative cultural stories with the world. Enditem