2024 Optics Valley Marathon showcases Wuhan's vibrancy

The 2024 Optics Valley Marathon was held on Nov 17 in the Wuhan East Lake High-tech Development Zone (Optics Valley of China, or OVC). Over 20,000 runners from 20 countries and regions and 36 OVC companies participated in the event, cheered on by thousands of spectators along the route.

The 2024 Optics Valley Marathon kicks off on Nov 17. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

The event was broadcast live on CCTV5 and Hubei TV and covered by major media outlets such as Hubei Daily, Changjiang Daily, Wuhan Broadcasting and Television Station, and Tencent News.

This year marked the second edition of OVC's full marathon, which broke records with the highest number of participants in history. The male full marathon champion, Kipkirui Langat, and the female champion, Xiao Guo, set new records with times of 2 hr 14 min 13 sec and 2:53:00, respectively.

The female full marathon champion Xiao Guo arrives at the finish line. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

Xiao Guo expressed her excitement at winning the OVC marathon for the first time, praising the enthusiastic spectators for boosting her performance. She plans to return next year to compete.

This year, the Optics Valley Marathon featured 36 relay teams from high-tech enterprises, research institutions, talent groups, and youth teams, with renowned scientists and entrepreneurs as team leaders.

An enterprise relay team. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

Chen Xing, vice-chairman of Optics Valley Youth Federation, highlighted the importance of youth in the valley's prosperity, emphasizing that the marathon is a platform for showcasing their spirit to the world.

Focusing on runner well-being, the marathon featured 26 medical stations, 24 music cheer stations, and support from 537 medical staff, 4,500 volunteers, and various city personnel. City perks like free Wuchang fish tastings and light rail rides also enhanced the runners' experience.

A music cheer station. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]