The 2019 Nantong Jianghai International Triathlon kicks off in Yuantuojiao Scenic Spot in Qidong, a county-level city in East China's Jiangsu province, on Sept 8. [Photo/WeChat account of Qidong Daily]

The 2019 Nantong Jianghai International Triathlon kicked off in Yuantuojiao Scenic Spot in Qidong, a county-level city in East China's Jiangsu province, on Sept 8.

The two-day event was sponsored by the Nantong Bureau of Culture, Broadcasting, Television and Tourism, the Nantong Sports Bureau and the Qidong government.

More than 500 contestants from China, South Korea, Belgium, Spain, France and Japan signed up for the event. 

The swimming track for the triathlon was positioned in 7.23 square kilometers of sea, marked off by a border. 

The cycling race track was placed along the sea and the running course was installed in the Offshore Vocation Center. 

The event not only saw thrills and spills for spectators, but also proved an exciting challenge for  competitors who were also able to take in the lovely scenery.

Contestants battle for victory in the swimming section of the triathlon. [Photo/WeChat account of Qidong Daily]

Bike riders race down the cycling track during the triathlon [Photo/WeChat account of Qidong Daily]

Cyclists pump their pedals hard during the 2019 Nantong Jianghai International Triathlon [Photo/WeChat account of Qidong Daily]