Basking in the first ray of sunshine of the new year, 20,000 runners participated in the 51st Shijiazhuang New Year's Day Run.

First held on January 1, 1959, the event ranks one of China's few mass running events with a history spanning more than half a century. The race has grown into an enduring annual tradition for local residents. This year's registration saw an overwhelming response, with all 20,000 spots snapped up in just 20 minutes.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service