Hometown hero all smiles as Guiyang Marathon a rip-roaring success

The Guiyang Marathon kicked off in Guanshanhu, a district of Guiyang, the capital of Southwest China's Guizhou province, on June 10. A total of 25,000 runners from 32 countries and regions participated in a total of three events: the marathon, half marathon and mini marathon.

After some fierce competition, Cen Wanjiang from China won the gold medal in the men's group after clocking two hours, 17 minutes and 22 seconds. Melka Deriba Robi from Ethiopia finished second and Emmanuel Kibet Kichwen from Kenya came third.

"I'm very happy to win the title in my hometown," Cen is from Anshun in Guizhou province. Before becoming a marathon runner, he worked as a car mechanic. In 2015, he began training professionally and has already won several marathons.

In the women's group, Peninah Jerop Kandie from Kenya won first place in two hours, 38 minutes and 29 seconds, while Yang Hua from China came second and Tsehay Desalegn Adhana from Ethiopia finished third.

On the day of the competition, the organizing committee set up 19 exhibition points along the track, and carried out 20 exhibition activities such as rope skipping, martial arts and roller skating, showing contestants the multi-ethnic culture and long history of Guiyang.

"The people of Guiyang are very warm," said 50-year-old Zhu Junling, who participated in the half marathon. "After having completed the race, I will stay in Guiyang for a while to check out the local customs."