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The weight-lifters - pictured during
the pig-carrying leg of the competition – were taking part in the
Hercules challenge race in Hengyang, in the nation's Hunan province last
week.
Carrying more than 7st of
squealing live pig in each hand, the competitors had to bring home the
bacon in the fastest possible time
The would-be ironmen had to carry the pigs 32 yards, along with other tasks.
Some of the competitors effortlessly lifted the pigs across the finish line.
But others seemed to be making, well, a pig's ear of it.
The pig-lugging is just one element of the National Fitness Festival, which was launched in 2009 to promote exercise in the region.
It is now in its third year and includes a range of sporting activities.
Ten teams, divided into school groups
and social groups, took part in this year's event, with 300-plus
aerobics enthusiasts ranging in age from four to 60 years.
The Hunan province claims that over a third of the area's population regularly take part in sports activities, and the National Fitness Festival has been credited for helping that happen.
China is the world’s biggest pork market, importing some 800,000 tonnes a year, hence the fondness for getting hogs involved.
Porkers: A competitor carries two pigs in the 'Hercules' challenge race in Hengyang, central China's Hunan province
The would-be ironmen had to carry the pigs 32 yards, along with other tasks.
Some of the competitors effortlessly lifted the pigs across the finish line.
Hercules challenge: The 'Hunan Hercules Challenge' requires competitors to carry two live pigs, each weighing more than 7st
....
Weightlifters: The contestants, pictured, have to run for 30 yards carrying the hogs
The pig-lugging is just one element of the National Fitness Festival, which was launched in 2009 to promote exercise in the region.
It is now in its third year and includes a range of sporting activities.
National fitness: Pig-carrying is just one leg
of the third National Fitness Festival introduced to boost exercise in
the Hunan province of China
Pork fans: China is the world’s biggest pork market, hence the fondness for getting hogs involved in the competition
The Hunan province claims that over a third of the area's population regularly take part in sports activities, and the National Fitness Festival has been credited for helping that happen.
China is the world’s biggest pork market, importing some 800,000 tonnes a year, hence the fondness for getting hogs involved.