111 teams, 20 turns, winning time — 1 hour 21 minutes 58 seconds.

As reported by CCTV+, a five-person dragon boat marathon kicked off in Foshan. More than 100 teams competed on a 22-kilometer course.

At the starting gun, rowers rushed to their boats and headed for the water gates. The largest race of the year in the Greater Bay Area began.

Participant Cen Haitian admitted: “The biggest challenge is physical and mental endurance. You cannot relax — you must keep moving for all 22 kilometers.”

After the water gates, rowers had to navigate nearly 20 turns. They needed to control direction and enter each turn at the optimal angle.

Choi Hin Kei, a tourist from Macau, said: “I have never heard of a dragon boat race over 20 kilometers. We came early in the morning to soak up this energetic atmosphere.”

The winners finished in 1 hour, 21 minutes and 58 seconds. Li Dexiong from the champion team concluded: “The most important thing is unity. Only then can we row well. Unity is strength.”

22 kilometers, 111 teams, 20 turns. One goal — to be first. A dragon boat does not tolerate loners. It demands that all five breathe in rhythm. Fans from Macau came at dawn and did not regret it. The question is whether we are ready to row in sync with those beside us. The answer is at the finish line — where those who still know how to listen won.