Despite temperatures dipping below −20 degrees Celsius and nipping wind blowing heavily, runner enthusiasts were not dissuaded from heading outdoors and exercising in northeastern China this week.

On New Year's Day, Fuyuan City, which is known as China's East Pole, in Heilongjiang Province held an ice carnival, during which over 2,000 runners happily took part in a marathon.

With the Sun rising in the horizon on Wednesday, the race began on the frozen Heilongjiang River.

The event included a full marathon (42.195km), a half marathon (21.0975km) and a 5km run.

Running for such a long distance in gelid temperatures is extremely difficult as athletes have to wear thick clothes that hamper their movement. There's also the risk of their outfit getting wet by sweat and feeling the bite of icy wind.

Mao Gang claimed the title in the men's full marathon event, clocking in at 03:18:22. The 45-year-old online retailer told CGTN that he wore light clothes because he's a native to the area and can withstand cold climate. Years of tough training also helped. "I run 25 minutes every morning with just a T-shirt," he said.

He also shared some of his secrets with those aspiring to run long distances in cold weather.

"You should take care of the details. If you don't do well, you could lose a crampon or a shoe spike. That will influence your result. You could even not finish the course.

"You should wear clothes made of fleece and with good air permeability. Then, your sweat won't wet your clothes, and you won't feel that cold," Mao added.

A will of iron is needed to cross the finish line, but one should always listen to their body. The female runner who finished second in the full marathon was sent to hospital after the cold weather took a toll on her body and she collapsed.

The ice marathon has already been held for three years in a row, but other events, such as an ice yachting tournament, ice drifting and square dancing also took place.

People from all over the world enjoyed the authentic Hezhen ethnic culture, drank fish soup, enjoyed different specialties and watched various performances during the carnival.

(Photographer: Qi Jianqiang)