a life or death journey old niu explores the four peaks of yandang mountain
Having just experienced a thrilling and dangerous life-and-death cross-country race, I, Old Niu, sat on the return train, still shaken and filled with emotions. In the end, I decided to write down my thoughts and share with everyone the detailed account of my journey through the Four Peaks of Yandang Mountain.
In the running community, there are various running groups. Besides chatting, checking in, and sharing memes, the most common thing is the various registration links. This is also a major factor that has 'poisoned' me, Old Niu—the flood of race information colliding with my enthusiasm for signing up.
Quitting? Is running every day fun? Hmm, it’s really addictive...
My connection with Yandang Mountain happened similarly. I once saw a link shared in the group, showing runners climbing dangerous peaks, looking incredibly cool. I wanted to take some cool photos too. Moreover, this was the last edition of the race, as Wuyan Peak would be closed next year. So, this was the only chance to complete the Four Peaks, and thus I embarked on the journey.
Perhaps because it was the last edition, the enthusiasm of the participants was unprecedentedly high. Over 700 participants gathered the night before the race for technical analysis, making it very lively. Everyone was meticulously preparing for the next day's race.
*Group photo of the Nanjing team, the 'Daredevil Squad' of the Four Peaks of Yandang Mountain
'We have arranged a lot of rescue and staff along the way. Don't push yourself too hard. The first half of the Four Peaks is very difficult. Safety first. There's no shame in withdrawing from the race,' the race director kept pouring cold water on us. The Nanjing team exchanged glances and smiled: 'What? Are we going to war? Let's just do it.'
Our group stayed in a local guesthouse. The owners were local residents, and the accommodations were all six-story small villas with pink walls, perfectly suiting my girlish heart. The uncles and aunts were very warm and welcoming, making us feel very comfortable and cared for. However, because everyone spoke with a local dialect, conversations sometimes became quite chaotic.
As usual, I was reluctant to get out of bed and tossed and turned all night. I got up at 5:30 AM, washed up, and went downstairs for breakfast. The uncles and aunts had already prepared a sumptuous breakfast for us, including buns, steamed bread, rice porridge, and seafood noodles. After a hearty meal, we headed to the race venue.
As always, once the starting gun fired, I took off running non-stop. But upon entering the mountain, I found that unlike previous cross-country tracks, this one was almost entirely narrow mountain paths—initially very narrow, barely passable. On the left was a cliff, and on the right was a steep rock face. Everyone lined up and moved forward, reminding each other to stay safe and watch out for slippery paths.
After a few kilometers of warm-up, the climax arrived directly, with the Four Peaks right ahead. Looking up at the black peak, I thought, 'That must be the Wuyan Peak I've been dreaming of.' After a section of climbing using both hands and feet, I checked my watch and saw that the vertical ascent had exceeded 1000 meters, and Wuyan Peak was already beneath my feet.
The intense climb caused my heart rate to skyrocket, and I was drenched in sweat. Upon reaching the ridge, the strong wind was blowing, making me feel both chilled and exhilarated.
After Wuyan Peak, I looked up and found the shape surprisingly familiar. It looked just like a pile of cow dung!
At CP1, I ate two bananas, refilled my water bag, and headed towards Baigang Peak. The pass was a watershed; either you withdrew and got on the rescue vehicle, or you pushed through to CP2 in one go. The track was treacherous, a battle with no retreat.
Old Niu quitting? Impossible...
I love this, double-tap 666 for the photographer.
The highest peak, Baigang Peak: as the name suggests, it is a steep slope composed of many loose rocks at an angle of sixty to seventy degrees. Looking down, it was quite perilous. I lowered my center of gravity, sat on the ground, supported myself with my hands behind me, and cautiously moved down, testing each rock with my feet, using both hands and feet, fully focused and not daring to slack off.
The first two peaks were just appetizers; the most difficult and dangerous was Lingyun Peak.
Pieces of stone, polished smooth by the elements, were 'pasted' on the ridge by nature's skillful hands. From a distance, they looked like a sleeping dragon winding between the Four Peaks, with various shapes moving from west to east. The scene was so magnificent that one couldn't help but marvel at nature's craftsmanship.
Climbing nearly vertical rock walls, stepping on the few available thorns, grabbing onto small grasses growing in the cracks, looking down, the abyss was right beneath my feet. This might be the legendary 'lifesaving straw.'
Yanhu Peak, like a closing act, gradually became gentle. The ancient Yanhu Path, made of natural stones, weaved through the mountains like a swift rabbit.
The latter half of the race was the usual wild trail in cross-country races: forest waterfalls, withered vines, old trees, small bridges, flowing water, ancient paths, western winds, and lush bamboo forests... symbolizing rebirth after purgatory.
The Four Peaks of Yandang Mountain, the wildest track since I started, the most magnificent scenery, and the most reckless me. Thinking about being stuck on the edge of a cliff, unable to move forward or backward, still makes my heart race.
The meticulous organization by the committee, the thoughtful service of the volunteers, and the numerous rescue personnel ensured our safety. The beautiful scenery presented by the Four Peaks made everything worthwhile. As often said, cross-country running is hell for the body, heaven for the eyes, and a spiritual elevation...
The chaotic peaks, like bamboo shoots, like mushrooms. As the saying goes, 'The most beautiful scenery is on dangerous peaks.' Without overcoming the mountains and obstacles, how can one appreciate the beauty?
Every time I get battered on the track, complaining endlessly, who knew I would step on the track again and again because of my love for it. The 'true fragrance law' is repeatedly proven.
The peaks are so close to the sky.
Withered pines hang on the cliffs.
The raging wind roars, waves rise.
The impassable path beneath our feet becomes a thoroughfare.
The unique finisher's medal and the permanently preserved race bib symbolize the final chapter of the Four Peaks of Yandang Mountain!