The 6th Suzhou Jinji Lake International Half Marathon gets underway. [Photo/Suzhou Daily]

A lead runner, dressed as a rabbit with a garland and a hula skirt, helps runners keep the expected pace. [Photo/Suzhou City Post]

The 6th Suzhou Jinji Lake International Half Marathon began at 8 am on March 29 at Moon Bay in the Suzhou Industrial Park. Over 30,000 runners from more than 40 countries and regions joined in the race, with the number hitting a record high. The race around the lake drew in many onlookers who cheered on the participants.

The marathon was divided into four events: a half marathon (21.0975km), a short marathon (about 14km), a mini-marathon (about 4.5km), and a family run (about 2.5km). Participants were able to choose one that best suited them. The youngest runner was a 4-year-old child led by his parents and the oldest was 93-year-old Mr. Zhai, who has joined the event a number of times in the past.

The start of the event was at the Culture & Expo Center square at Moon Harbor and the race wound its course around Jinji Lake after passing through the picturesque green surroundings on Xiandai Avenue, Xinghu Street and Jinji Lake Avenue. The marathon course is widely considered as one of the most beautiful ones and is favored by domestic marathon participants. The event was formally listed in national track and field competition events since 2013 and was recognized as a Grade-A bronze marathon in China in 2014.

At the final results, African runners came out on top, gaining the top prize in both the men's and women's half marathon races. Yonas Berhe from Eritrea won the men's half marathon with a time of 1:03:34 and Talam Pamela from Kenya won the women's event with a time of 1:16:10. Japanese runners, Yamaji Sakiko (1:26:10) and Yaniguti Kimiko (1:31:06) finished in second and third place in the women's race.