2025 Guiyang Marathon hosts 35,000 runners

The Guiyang Marathon was held on June 15 at the North Plaza of the Guiyang International Conference and Exhibition Center in Guiyang city, drawing 35,000 runners from 26 countries and regions.

This year, the marathon earned the prestigious World Athletics Elite Label, marking a new milestone in its development.

Thousands of runners compete in the 2025 Guiyang Marathon. [Photo/Guiyang news network]

Cutting-edge technology played a key role in enhancing the race experience. A newly introduced AI-powered short video generation service, based on real-time data collection and intelligent recognition, captured runners' key moments along the course and produced high-definition personalized videos almost instantly after they crossed the finish line.

The race featured four events: a full marathon (42.195 kilometers), a half marathon (21.0975 km), a 10 km run, and a mini-marathon (5.2 km). It attracted an overwhelming response, with 101,232 applicants signing up in just 14 days, setting a record high. Following a public lottery, 35,000 participants secured the opportunity to participate in the race.

A family poses for a group photo after participating in the mini-marathon. [Photo/Guiyang news network]

Runners ranged in age from 5 to 82 years old. Top Chinese marathon athletes, including Pan Sufang, Yin Shunjin, Guan Yousheng, and Ding Changqin, also participated.

The course showcased Guiyang's lush beauty, winding through scenic areas such as Guanshan Lake Park and Yueshan Lake Wetland Park, offering runners a unique landscape experience.

A volunteer cheers for runners in local ethnic clothing. [Photo/Guiyang news network]

In the men's full marathon, Ethiopian runners swept the podium: Gebre Mekuant Ayenew took gold in 2 hr 13 min 21 sec, followed by Tsega Derese Reta in 2:13:53 and Demisie Birhanu Teshome close behind in 2:13:56.

In the women's full marathon, Shure Jemila Wortesa of Ethiopia took first place in 2:36:22, with Negashu Chaltu Bedo in 2:37:05 and Nedi Tadelech Bekele in 2:37:13.

In the half marathon, Kenyan runner Muthikepeter Murimi won the men's title with a time of 1:07:29, followed by Njeri Jeremia Njenga in 1:09:02, and Zhou Youfa from China in 1:10:04.

In the women's half marathon, Wamalwa Lydia Naliaka of Kenya finished first in 1:19:16. China's Pan Sufang came second in 1:19:59, and fellow Chinese runner Li Renxiang placed third in 1:20:25.