Chinese Competitors Carry Live Pigs In Hercules Race




    
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.
Porkers: A competitor carries two pigs in the 'Hercules' challenge race in Hengyang, central China's Hunan province
Porkers: A competitor carries two pigs in the 'Hercules' challenge race in Hengyang, central China's Hunan province
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.
Hercules challenge: The 'Hunan Hercules Challenge' requires competitors to carry two live pigs, each weighing more than 7st
Hercules challenge: The 'Hunan Hercules Challenge' requires competitors to carry two live pigs, each weighing more than 7st
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Weightlifters: The contestants, pictured, have to run for 30 yards carrying the hogs
Weightlifters: The contestants, pictured, have to run for 30 yards carrying the hogs
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.
National fitness: The pig-carrying is just one leg of the third National Fitness Festival introduced to boost exercise in the Hunan province of China
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
Pork fans: China is the world¿s biggest pork market, hence the fondness for getting hogs involved in the competition
Pork fans: China is the world’s biggest pork market, hence the fondness for getting hogs involved in the competition
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.