20,000 runners take part in Shenyang marathon

Hosted by the Chinese Athletic Association and Shenyang municipal people’s government, the 2018 Shengjing Bank Shenyang International Marathon was held in Shenyang, Northeast China’s Liaoning province, on Sept 9.

More than 20,000 people from 17 countries and regions, including Kenya, Ethiopia, Australia, Brazil, Italy, and Germany, participated in the event, with ages ranging from 6 to 73.

This year’s event included a full marathon (42.195 kilometers), a half-marathon (21.0975 km), a 10-km run, and a mini-marathon (around 4 km) designed for families and couples to run together.

Following the competition, a runner from Kenya won the men's group with a time of 2 hr 15min 22 sec in the full marathon. A Kenyan also clinched the top spot in the women’s race.

And both half-marathons were won by Ethiopians.

Cheng Qianyu from Qinhuangdao city in Hebei province was the first Chinese runner to finish the full marathon.

Hosted for three consecutive years since 2015, the Shenyang marathon provides an opportunity for runners to enjoy Shenyang's beautiful scenery along the Hunhe River, and provides a chance for runners from all over the world to learn more about Shenyang’s development.

It is also part of the city’s contribution to promoting the national fitness program.

Runners leave the starting line of the 2018 Shengjing Bank Shenyang International Marathon in Shenyang, Liaoning province, Sept 9. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

A family takes part in the mini-marathon in Shenyang, Liaoning province, Sept 9. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

Runners pose for a group photo before the event in Shenyang, Liaoning province, Sept 9. [Photo/Xinhua]

A female runner from Kenya is the first through the finishing line of the full marathon in Shenyang, Liaoning province, Sept 9. [Photo/Xinhua]