Zhejiang: 2024 Tonglu Half Marathon Kicks off with Blazing Passion

On October 27, the GOLD OF HEALTH (GOH) Polygonatum - 2024 Tonglu Half Marathon kicked off as scheduled. 14,000 runners from home and abroad gathered along the Fuchun River, with over 10,000 participants registered for the half marathon alone, a record high for half marathons in Zhejiang Province.

At 7:30 in the morning, as the starting gun fired, runners surged forward with energy and cheers, beginning their journey from Yingchunnanlu in the county. They raced through the core areas of "Three Rivers and Two Banks," along the Fuchun River Greenway, and across the Fuchun River.

Event Scene (Photo by Ye Jing and Huang Qiang)

In recent years, marathon events have continued to emerge across the country. Why can the Tonglu Half Marathon "be all the rage?"

In 2018, the first Tonglu Half Marathon was held. Now in its fifth session, the event has gained valuable experience in refining the course and enhancing services. In the eyes of runners, Tonglu is the "most beautiful city for running." The 21.0975-kilometer course connects Tonglu's rich culture, tourism, and sports, showing runners the county's good cultural and geographical environment, urban culture, and vibrant spirit.

Event Scene (Photo by Ye Jing and Huang Qiang)

This year's event, themed "Can it be faster?", has fully optimized and upgraded the course, with a gentle profile and only a 20-meter elevation gain. Additionally, a PB line was set to encourage runners to push their limits. The organizing committee also added the first official pacemaker of one hour and twenty minutes in Zhejiang Province for high-level runners.

After fierce competition, the top finishers of the half marathon crossed the finish line. Kenyan runner Mayaka Evans Nyakamb claimed the men's championship with a time of 1:04:56, saying, "Tonglu is a beautiful city, and the entire course was a pleasure to run." Zheng Xiaoqian from Jinhua took the women's title, crossing the finish line with an impressive time of 1:15:33. "Before signing up, I'd heard that Tonglu's 'half marathon' course is the 'fastest' in the province for setting personal bests. The scenery along the route is stunning and the audience is incredibly enthusiastic," she shared in an interview after the race.

Event Scene (Photo by Ye Jing and Huang Qiang)

The event serves as a platform for showcasing cultural tourism. Next, Tonglu will intensify its support for cultural and sports undertakings, focus on cultivating more unique event brands, and build a stronger national fitness culture. By leveraging the event, the county aims to drive the deep integration of culture, tourism and sports, solidifying its reputation as "the best short-distance travel destination in the Yangtze River Delta."