Longwan half marathon runs amid district's spring charm

The 2024 Longwan Half Marathon kicks off at the Wenzhou Olympic Sports Center. [Video/Tide News]

The 2024 Longwan Half Marathon unfolded at the Wenzhou Olympic Sports Center on March 10, attracting nearly 6,000 runners.

This year marks the third time that Longwan district has organized the half marathon. This year's race was also the first to be certified as an A1-level event by the Chinese Athletics Association.

To showcase Longwan's beauty and vitality to participants, event organizers optimized the route, connecting the district's natural landscapes, cultural venues, and commercial complexes. Landmarks such as China Eye Valley and Huangshi Mountain Sculpture Park were incorporated into the course.

Twenty-four pacemakers, who are sometimes informally called rabbits, are employed by the race organizers. [Photo/Tide News]

In addition to the racecourse setup, Longwan recruited 24 runners who are medical workers to provide support. Furthermore, cheering stations as well as water and energy replenishment stations were set up along the route.

After the race, an area featuring specialty cuisines from various counties and districts of Wenzhou was arranged for the participants.

The male and female champions of the half marathon were both from Kenya. Jonathan Samanayo Korir claimed the men's title with a time of 1 hour, 6 minutes, and 16 seconds, while Brigid Jelimo Kabergei secured the women's title with a time of 1 hour, 17 minutes, and 9 seconds.

A group of participants from Rui'an, a county-level city in Wenzhou. [Photo/Tide News]