Over 500 participants take part in the marathon. [Photo/Wechat account: chineseembassy_mdv]
The 2024 Laamu-Xiamen Marathon, supported by the Chinese Embassy in the Maldives and the Xiamen Municipal People's Government, was held on the Laamu Atoll Link Road, which was built with Chinese government assistance in the Maldives on Sept 27.
Wang Lixin, Chinese ambassador to the Maldives, stated in her speech that Xiamen was the first stop on President Muizzu's visit to China this year. She expressed hope that holding the marathon on the Laamu Atoll Link Road would promote cultural exchanges and cooperation and enhance the friendship between the two peoples.
The competition included a half marathon, 10-kilometer run, 5-kilometer run, and family run. Over 500 participants from six countries, including the Maldives, Nepal, and China, took part, with over 100 local children participating in the family run. Maldivian athletes Ahmed Ali and Mariyam Szeena won the men's and women's half marathons, respectively.
Szeena was filled with excitement after winning the women's half marathon. Her 14-year-old twin daughters also participated in the 5-kilometer event. She said, "The organizers rewarded me with a round-trip ticket to Xiamen. My daughters said they want to go with me to experience China. Sports have always been my passion, and now with this road, I can participate in marathons right at my doorstep, bringing me closer to my dreams."
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