The 2019 Ordos International Marathon kicks off in Kangbashi district, in Ordos city, on Aug 24. [Photo/WeChat account of Ordos Reported]

The 2019 Ordos International Marathon kicked off in Kangbashi district, on Aug 24, thrilling spectators, according to officials.

The event was sponsored by the Chinese Athletics Association, the Inner Mongolia Sports Bureau, and the Ordos government and was hosted by the Ordos Bureau of Education and Sports. 

Niu Junyan, Party secretary of Ordos, Qibixiletu, director of the standing committee of the Ordos Municipal People’s Congress, Wang Jianguo, chairman of the municipal committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Congress and Liu Jianxun, vice-mayor of Ordos, attended the opening ceremony.

The huge event attracted around 25,000 participants from 14 countries and regions including China, Kenya, Ireland, Japan, the UK, the US, Brazil and Australia. 

In the men’s category, the first three runners completing a full marathon race were:

1. Kirwa Dominick Kibitok from Kenya, at a time of 2 hours, 26 minutes and 2 seconds

2. Zhu Keke, China, 02:33:08

3. Hao Changji, China, 02:34:14

In the women’s category, the first three runners were:

1. Namjilsuren Semjid, Mongolia, 02:56:45

2. Li Shuyun, China, 03:03:24

3. Wang Xiaobo, China, 03:13:56

The marathon attracts a sea of people. Around 25,000 runners participated from 14 countries and regions including China, Kenya, Ireland, Japan, the UK, the US, Brazil and Australia. [Photo/WeChat account of Ordos reported]