Runners enjoy themselves at the fourth Fenghua Cross-Straits Peach Blossom Marathon on March 24 in Fenghua district, Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/zj.zjol.com] 

The fourth Fenghua Cross-Straits Peach Blossom Marathon kicked off on March 24 in Fenghua district, Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province. 

More than 8,400 people from 17 countries and regions around the world participated in the marathon, which offered up some stunning peach blossom scenery.

Adding to the excitement, one participant named Mei Weidong proposed to his girlfriend during the event.

Mei has been participating in the Fenghua marathon since it was launched three years ago. He said that his soon-to-be wife is also an avid runner, and that they first met each other during a marathon activity before.

The organizing committee welcomed many Taiwan participants as well, and earned no small praise.

"This is the fourth time that I have participated in the event, which is well-known among Taiwan marathoners," said one participant from Taiwan, adding that many signed up after seeing how many others were expressing interest. He also noted that among the 105 Taiwan participants, the youngest was 3 years old while the oldest was 65.

A participant from Taiwan is interviewed during the marathon. [Photo/zj.zjol.com]

"Some local friends I've made at the marathon came to pick me up at the airport, which made me feel as if I was returning home," said the Taiwan participant.

The organizing committee also held a birthday party for some of the participants as a special surprise.

In addition, the marathon saw the participation of six local disabled people, who showed their strength and perseverance by going the full distance in a wheelchair.

The marathon has become a trademark for the district, which hopes that it will promote the local peach blossom culture and boost the district's urban development.

Six local disabled people (from left) travel the full distance in wheelchairs. [Photo/zj.zjol.com]