Sanmenxia launches marathon along Yellow River

Leaders and guests fire starting guns in the morning to set off over 6,000 competitors after the opening ceremony. [Photo/WeChat account: smxgbds]

Sanmenxia, of Central China's Henan province, made its debut in the international marathon field by hosting some runs along the Yellow River, China's second longest waterway, on May 1.

The Sanmenxia Yellow River International Marathon was co-organized by the Chinese Athletic Association and the Sanmenxia Municipal Government.

The activity consists of three parts—a full marathon (42.20 kilometers), half marathon (21.1 kilometers), and mini marathon (3.2 kilometers), to encourage both amateurs and professional runners to join.

Runners, among thousands taking part in the Sanmenxia Yellow River International Marathon, set their paces in Henan province on May 1. [Photo by Zhang Zhaofeng/ismx.cn]

Leaders and guests fired starting guns in the morning to set off over 6,000 competitors after the opening ceremony.

Passing through one of the city's natural landmarks, Sanmenxia Yellow River Wetland Park, and going along about 10 kilometers of roadway beside the Yellow River, runners got close to China's mother river which has served the area for more than 2,200 years.

Contestants from Kenya pocketed the gold in both the men's and woman's portion of the full marathon. A runner from Ethiopia clocked 1:08:00 to claim the title of the man's half marathon.

A competitor from Kenya crosses the finish line to win the woman's portion of the full marathon on May 1. [Photo by Zhang Zhaofeng/ismx.cn]