Guizhou holds 8th Liupanshui Summer Marathon

The 8th China Cool City · Liupanshui Summer Marathon kicks off in Liupanshui, which is known for its cool weather in summer. [Photo/colorful Liangdu]

The 2023 National Marathon Championships (second station) & 8th China Cool City · Liupanshui Summer Marathon was held in Liupanshui, Southwest China's Guizhou province, on July 16.

Participants from over 10 countries and regions took part in the event, which featured a full marathon, half marathon, and 5-kilometer mass fitness run.

After a fierce competition, Ethiopian athletes Bizuneh Melaku Belcahew and Tiruneh Workneh Tesfa secured first and second places, respectively, in the men's marathon with times of 2:14:37 and 2:15:11. Chinese athlete He Jie came in third with a time of 2:15:40, winning the national championship in the men's marathon.

In the women's marathon, Kenyan runner Kirongo Tecla finished first with a time of 2:35:50, while Ethiopian athlete Yimam Nurit Shimels clinched second place with a time of 2:37:17. Liupanshui runner Yao Miao claimed third with a time of 2:37:50, winning the national championship in the women's marathon.

Yao Miao, originally from Liupanshui's Jinpen township, is proud to compete in her hometown after many years. She said, "I am very satisfied with my performance! Luipanshui has a high altitude, and there are some uphill sections on the course, which may pose challenges for athletes from the plains. But as a local athlete, I have an advantage in these conditions."

In the half marathon, Chinese runners Shao Sishuang and Jiao Anjing claimed victory in the men's and women's groups, respectively, with times of 1:10:04 and 1:18:52.