On November 10, the 2024 Midea Shunde Half Marathon officially began with the sound of the starting gun. A total of 12,000 participants from across the country set off from Beijiaomen Square, running freely along the picturesque course and enjoying the scenic views of Shunde along the way.

This year's participants ranged from 76 years old to less than 2 years old. After fierce competition, Sheng Wang from Shanghai crossed the finish line first in 1 hour, 7 minutes, and 34 seconds, breaking the men's course record for the Shunde Half Marathon. "The whole course was very comfortable to run, with many local Shunde delicacies along the way, and the urban waterways were beautiful," said Sheng, who was visiting Shunde for the first time. He was impressed by the area's stunning scenery and unique food offerings. In the women's race, defending champion Chen Liqin claimed victory with a time of 1 hour, 19 minutes, and 1 second, successfully defending her title and breaking the women's course record.

As the only A1-class certified event by the Chinese Athletics Association in Guangdong Province for November, this year's race included two categories: the half marathon and the fun run. The race began at Beijiaomen Square, passing iconic landmarks such as Longzhou Square and Huayang Bridge, with the finish line at the Chencun Flower World Exhibition Center. The course connected the towns of Beijiao, Lecong, and Chencun, featuring 34 performance points along the way. The route beautifully blends the natural landscapes with modern urban architecture and vibrant street life.

To enhance the participants' experience, the event organizers prepared a variety of performances at the starting point and along the course, including a vibrant drum ensemble and a traditional Cantonese lion dance. Health-conscious food options, such as Chencun rice noodles, were also provided.

In addition, a series of special activities showcasing the city's cultural charm were introduced. These included free tours for participants to local attractions such as He Garden, Bijiang Golden Tower, the Shunde Natural Science Museum, and He Art Museum. A unique exhibition area combining food and fashion was set up, featuring trendy markets, fun games, and culinary experiences. These activities attracted more participants and citizens to join in.

Reporter | Zoey

Reviser | Lynn

Source | Foshan News Network, Shunde Convergence Media

*If the picture infringes any rights, please contact us for deletion.