The 2023 Quzhou Marathon kicks off on the morning of Nov 26. [Photo/qz123.com]

The 2023 Quzhou Marathon was held on the morning of Nov 26, with nearly 20,000 runners participating.

The competition consisted of three events: a marathon (42.19 kilometers), half marathon (21.09 km) and mini run (about 6 km).

The Quzhou Marathon has become one of the largest and most popular events in Quzhou and plays an important role in helping the city

improve its sports credentials.

The 42.19-km-long Quzhou Marathon track started from the Smart New City and followed the winding Qujiang River, showcasing the city’s beautiful scenery. Runners immersed themselves in the beautiful natural landscape and profound cultural history of the city.

In addition, 14 A-level tourist attractions in the city offered free admission to the runners.

Megerssa Gizaw Bekele and Ayelu Lemma Geda from Ethiopia won the men's and women's championships, respectively, with times of 2 hours 12 minutes and 52 seconds and 2 hours 31 minutes and 52 seconds.

Chinese runner Wang Donghui won the men's half marathon with a time of 1 hour 6 minutes and 15 seconds, and Tang Xiaofen won the women's half marathon with a result of 1 hour 25 minutes and 21 seconds.