SHANGRI-LA, China, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Chen Jiadong and Qiu Tian, both from China, won the Shangri-La International Duathlon Challenge on Sunday in men's and women's categories respectively.

This duathlon event, which has attracted 192 athletes from eight countries and regions, is the highest duathlon in China with the race venue being located 3,300 meters above the sea level. It consists of running 10 kilometers, cycling 35 kilometers and running five kilometers more.

Chen finished the race in two hours and three minutes. "High altitude with long slope, it was a harsh time for me in the final kilometres of the first run. I have once had a thought to give up, but I persevered to finish the race and finally won it," said Chen.

Qiu completed the race with two hours and 31 minutes and tagged the event as the toughest one ever for her. "This was harder than any ironman I have ever done! However, I was surprisingly overtaken during the cycling leg around the beautiful natural Napa lake," said Qiu.

Duathlon is an increasingly popular sport for endurance athletes, who need everything of determination to complete the race.

Shangri-La International Duathlon Challenge is a new international mass participation sports event in here in China's Yunnan province. The unique scenery, highlighted by plateaus, together with the fascinating ethnic culture history, such as Tibetan monastery and ancient tea-transportation route, gives this event special charm.