Half marathon athletes race through Chengmai's millennia of history

In Hainan province's Laocheng Science and Technology New City, the 2024 Chengmai Half Marathon attracted about 10,000 runners on a voyage through Chengmai county, steeped in a thousand years of history.

Participants from 10 countries and regions converged for the event on Sunday, including China, the United States, Slovakia, the United Kingdom, Australia, Russia and Canada. With the crack of the starting gun, runners surged through the Hainan Ecological Software Park stretch and the Chengmai segment of the Hainan Coastal Scenic Highway, weaving through bustling streets, architectural marvels and picturesque vistas, all while chasing victory over the 21.0975-kilometer course. Ultimately, Chinese athletes Zhao Xiangbo and Zhang Kaiqin emerged triumphant in the men's and women's categories.

The marathon was bolstered by a team of 99 referees, 1,100 volunteers, and 24 emergency runners. Along the race route, a support network awaited, including 13 medical stations, 15 ambulances, 41 AED units, four beverage stations, four water stops, three sponge cooling stations, three mist cooling stations, and two food supply hubs. Two hospitals were on standby for any medical needs. These arrangements aim to ensure the safety and welfare of all participants throughout the event.