Over 15,000 runners from around the world participated in the 2018 Huangpu Marathon on Dec 23, testing their stamina in the spring-like winter season of the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou.

Held for the first time last year, the Huangpu Marathon attracted even more participants this year, with 4,000 runners taking part in the full marathon, 6,000 in the half marathon and 5,000 in the mini marathon. The runners hail from 12 countries, including China, Japan, Kenya, the US, Canada, South Korea, Singapore, Australia, the UK, Israel and Thailand. 

Over 15,000 runners participate in the 2018 Huangpu Marathon on Dec 23. [Photo/gmw.cn]

The majority of Chinese participants are from Guangdong province, and the oldest runner in the event is 81 years old.   

The route of the marathon has been meticulously designed, according to Zhang Jianwu, head of the Huangpu sports bureau. It showcases both the history and future development of Huangpu, as runners will pass by both the ancient Huangpu Port and a modern science city.

The Huangpu Port was the departing port of China's ancient Maritime Silk Road and one of the earliest ports to implement customs clearance. It is the gateway to the Pan-Pearl River Delta Economic Zone and the location of Guangzhou's second CBD.

"The port of Huangpu is simply magnificent. I had to slow down while running through this section", said a runner surnamed Li, a native of Guangzhou.

"The result is not so important. I would rather appreciate my surroundings. I was very impressed by Huangpu Port," he added. 

Runners pass through Huangpu Port during the marathon. [Photo/gmw.cn]

Elias Kemboi Chelimo from Kenya expressed similar feeling about the Huangpu Marathon. The Kenyan runner won the men's full marathon with a time of 2 hours 12 minutes and 29 seconds.

"I have been running since 1998 and have participated in many marathons around the world. The course in Huangpu is very beautiful and has many winding roads. I like to think they represent the winding nature of life," Chelimo said.

The annual processing capacity of Huangpu Port has reached more than 30 million tons, and its annual container-handling capacity has reached more than 900,000 TEUs. In the future, the port will become part of a port economic zone and be transformed and upgraded.

Runners compete in the 2018 Huangpu Marathon. [Photo/gmw.cn]