Chongqing - When most cities host marathons on flat roads, Chongqing turns running into an extreme urban adventure. Through the lens of iChongqing reporter Julius, we get a first-person perspective of the Hongyancun Metro Vertical Marathon. This race perfectly encapsulates why this metropolis is called China's "8D Magic City."

This isn't your typical fun run. The course begins at Exit 2 of Hongyan Village Station along the Jialing River. It challenges participants to conquer 860 steps with a staggering 141-meter elevation gain before reaching the finish line at Exit 4. What makes this marathon truly unique is how it weaves through Chongqing's signature urban landscape - runners dash past modern light rail platforms, navigate staircases that serve as daily commuter routes, and experience firsthand how the city's public transportation system doubles as an extreme sports venue. The event attracts an eclectic mix of participants, from elite athletes to foreign consuls general who join in the challenge.  

The Hongyan Vertical Marathon proves that in Chongqing, even something as routine as catching a train can be an extreme sport. For those seeking to truly understand this city's unique character, there's no better way than to experience - or at least witness - this incredible event that transforms urban infrastructure into the world's most challenging racecourse. After seeing competitors treat subway stations as vertical sprints, you'll never look at city navigation the same way again.