China's first-ever forest marathon will kick off on the edges of Changchun, capital city of Jilin province, on June 19, in what is touted as the largest man-made forest park in Asia and an ideal place for cross-country running with its hilly ground.

Foreigner runners take part in the forest race in 2015. Jingyuetan's hilly landscape attracts increasing numbers of runners from abroad to participate in the annual event. [Photo/Jilin Daily]

The Jingyuetan area, which is 18 kilometers away from the city, has a forest that is credited for its running track which requires the runners to possess both skill and physical strength.

Even though this annual Jingyuetan forest marathon only dates to last year, more than 6,000 runners from both home and abroad have registered for the event.

Sun Hongbo, professor of Jilin University, taking part in the Jingyuetan forest marathon in 2015. The event encourages more enthusiasts like Sun to sign up. [Photo/Jilin Daily]

Sun Hongbo, a professor at Jilin University, signed up for the event and has encouraged his students to join as well. The marathon enthusiast took part in last year's race and, since then, has been running 10 km every day because, in his own words, running keeps him "in a good shape".