The highly anticipated Grand Canal Marathon Series “Yang Mar” is set to kick off on March 31 with a record-breaking 30,000 participants ready to take on the challenge. The event, which includes the Bank of Jiangsu·2024 Yangzhou Jianzhen Half Marathon, is certified by the Chinese Athletics Association and has been awarded the prestigious World Athletics Gold Label.
With the support of the Jiangsu Provincial Sports Bureau, the Propaganda Department of the Jiangsu Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China, and the Yangzhou Municipal People’s Government, the event promises to be a spectacular display of athleticism and sportsmanship. Organized by the Jiangsu Provincial Sports Competition Management Center and the Yangzhou Municipal Sports Bureau, the event is operated by Guangzhou Borun Sports Technology Co., Ltd.
The Yangzhou Jianzhen Half Marathon, which was founded in 2006, has gained a reputation for its professional organization and excellent track experience. Awarded the World Athletics Road Running Gold Label event since 2012, it has become the first gold-label half marathon event in China certified by World Athletics.
This year’s event will see a total of 30,000 participants, with 20,000 competing in the half-marathon, 5,000 in the healthy run, and 5,000 in the happy run. A total of 6 awards will be presented, including the Half Marathon Ranking Award, the Competition Record Award, the World Record Breaking Award, and the Achievement Level Award, with prize money totaling over 144,000 U.S. dollars.
The event has made several enhancements this year, including optimizing the race route to pass through historical and cultural landmarks such as Dongguan Ancient Ferry, Wenchang Pavilion, and Slender West Lake. In terms of logistics, transportation connections have been set up throughout the city, and medical support is available with 24 medical rescue points and professional medical personnel stationed along the track.
The competition uniforms and medals were unveiled at a press conference, with the clothing design featuring the iconic Yangzhou Wuting Bridge and the medals themed “Warm Jasper, Bright Moon in the Sky.” Sun Yingjie, the Chinese women’s marathon record holder, has been appointed as the event’s image spokesperson and with nearly a hundred overseas athletes from 15 countries and regions participating, the “Yang Horse” is set to be an international spectacle.
The Grand Canal Marathon Series “Yang Mar” promises to be a thrilling and unforgettable event, showcasing the beauty of Yangzhou and the spirit of endurance and determination. With participants from around the world coming together to compete, the event symbolizes unity, sportsmanship, and the pursuit of excellence in athletics.