The 2024 Taizhou Marathon kicks off on Oct 20. [Photo/WeChat account: tzfabu]

On Oct 20, the 2024 Taizhou Marathon kicked off, drawing over 20,000 runners from countries like Germany, India, the United States, Kenya, and Singapore, as well as from across China. Athletes dashed through Taizhou's picturesque autumn landscape, igniting a sporting frenzy.

The marathon route passed through key areas of the city, starting and finishing at Taizhou Sports Park. Along the way, runners passed iconic landmarks such as Tiande Lake Park, Fengcheng River, and Guangxiao Temple, offering them a glimpse of Taizhou's rich cultural heritage and modern vitality.

Participants run past the starting port. [Photo/WeChat account: tzfabu]

He'nan runner Fan Shiqing took first place in the men's marathon with a time of 2 hours, 18 minutes, and 30 seconds, while Jiangxi runner Zhong Jiameng won the women's marathon in 2 hours, 40 minutes, and 15 seconds. Ideal race conditions, with flat roads and cool weather, helped many runners achieve personal bests, with over 300 participants completing the full marathon in under three hours.

This year's marathon was more than just a sporting event, it was a celebration of cultural exchange, coinciding with the 130th anniversary of Peking Opera master Mei Lanfang's birth. The race incorporated Peking Opera-themed performances along the route, showcasing Taizhou's unique cultural appeal to the world.