Guangzhou's Huangpu district hosts intl marathon

Around 200,000 runners from 31 countries and regions take part in the 2019 Guangzhou Huangpu Marathon on Dec 22.

The 2019 Guangzhou Huangpu Marathon was held on Dec 22 at Guangzhou's Huangpu District, drawing around 200,000 runners from 31 countries and regions.

This year's event, jointly hosted by the Chinese Athletics Association (CAA) and the local district government, was the third time that the marathon has been held. This year's edition was also considered a tribute to the 35th anniversary of the founding of Guangzhou Development District.

Guangzhou Huangpu Marathon, being the first large-scale marathon organized by a national development district in China, has been listed as one of CAA's silver races.

Around 20 international elite athletes were invited to compete in the race from countries like Bahrain, Kenya, and Ethiopia, joining more than 10 domestic elite runners.

Wang Xiaodong, fellow of the National Academy of Sciences (US) and foreign academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, was chosen as one of the academicians to fire the starting gun for this year's marathon.

Wang said that he has participated in marathons held in Hangzhou, Harbin, and Seattle, noting that he doesn't run to test his speed, but because he considers participating in a marathon can contribute positive energy to society.

A total of 700 police officers from all over the country took part in the event for the first time to showcase their athleticism, while also ensuring the safety of the event.

Share - WeChat