2018 Xiangjiang Marathon kicks off in Changsha

The first leg of the 2018 Xiangjiang Marathon kicked off in Changsha on April 22 as part of government efforts to promote the National Fitness program. 

Starting at the Helong Sports Center, more than 5,000 marathon enthusiasts took part in the annual running event, divided into men's and women's groups.

Marathon enthusiasts start running from Helong Sports Center in Changsha, the start of the first leg of the 2018 Xiangjiang Marathon, April 22. [Photo by Yu Shaojie, Huang Qiqing/icswb.com]

After fierce competition, Xiang Kun'an claimed the men's title for this leg in 40 minutes and 6 seconds while Zhen Yannan took the women's first prize with a time of 45 minutes and 50 seconds.

Following the Changsha station, the marathon event will take place in Hengyang on May 5, Zhuzhou on May 12 and Xiangtan on May 19.

Running through several scenic spots along the Xiangjiang River, athletes are offered a great opportunity to appreciate the landscape and development achievements along the route.

More than 5,000 athletes take part in the running event held in Changsha, Hunan province on April 22. [Photo by Yu Shaojie, Huang Qiqing/icswb.com]

The Central Chinese city has held the annual sporting event for seven years, and launched a series of athletic contests including long-distance running, square dances and tai chi.

It is held to call upon the public to be actively involved in open-air fitness activities while boosting integrated development of economic, tourist and cultural industries.

A female runner runs on a par with a male dressed as "Ultraman", a character from a famous Japanese TV show, at the first stop of the 2018 Xiangjiang Marathon in Changsha. [Photo by Yu Shaojie, Huang Qiqing/icswb.com]