Tourism activities

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On the morning of March 2, the first half marathon in Nanjing, the 2025 Nanjing Lishui Half Marathon, kicked off at the foot of Wuxiang Mountain. Approximately 12,000 runners participated, running through the subtle fragrance of plum blossoms and the sweet scent of strawberries. The runners flowed like a pink tide across the mountain and fields, fully immersing in the joy and passion of the Lishui marathon.

District Mayor Gao Junling, Deputy Director of the Provincial Sports Bureau Liu Tong, Deputy Director of the Municipal Sports Bureau Ge Fei, Deputy District Mayor Zhang Weizhen, Director of the Municipal Sports Competition and Social Sports Guidance Center Zhang Shuantai, and others fired the starting gun for the race.

Thousands Gathered, Eager to Run

At 8:30 AM, runners from all over the country gathered at the foot of Wuxiang Mountain. As the starting gun was fired, they surged forward like arrows, running freely and enjoying the scenery. Along the course, local residents cheered on the athletes with great enthusiasm, providing support and encouragement.

This year’s event featured two categories: the half marathon (7,000 participants) and the mini-run (5,000 participants), with a total of 12,000 participants. The half marathon course was 21.0975 kilometers long, while the mini-run was approximately 4.3 kilometers.

The Lishui Half Marathon continued with the same course as last year, allowing participants to enjoy the scenic beauty along the route while also having the chance to taste fresh Lishui strawberries and various local delicacies for refueling. Many runners expressed their excitement, saying, “Running the marathon while enjoying strawberry freedom is such a unique experience. The Lishui Strawberry Marathon truly lives up to its name!”

Nine Years of Lishui Marathon, Surprises Every Year

When the fragrance of strawberries fills the air, it’s also the season for marathons. The Lishui marathon has been held for nine years, and it continues to impress with its unique theme centered around strawberries, which have deeply etched their mark in the hearts of the participants. As a major feature of the event, strawberry elements are present throughout—from refreshments to medals, from course decorations to post-race activities—blending the sweetness of strawberries with the passion of the marathon, creating an unforgettable sensory and scenic experience for runners. This year, the Lishui Marathon upgraded its event atmosphere, runner services, and accompanying activities, expanding from a “one-day race” to a “three-day marathon weekend,” creating a grand carnival for all. The event was full of high-tech features, with the Yushu robot supporting the marathon and attracting considerable attention. Special areas such as the photo booth, city exhibition, interactive play zone, natural market, and family viewing zone offered creative experiences, leaving lasting memories for the runners and the citizens who participated.

“I’ve participated in many marathons before, but this is my first time running the Lishui marathon, and I signed up early,” said Chen Xueguang from Wenzhou, Zhejiang. He is a “50” generation runner with the goal of running marathons across China. “Lishui has beautiful scenery, and the services are excellent. After the race, I plan to stay for two more days to enjoy the city.”

“This year, the parents from our school organized a group of kids to join the mini-run. While enjoying the fun of sports, we also want the kids to experience the spirit of the marathon,” said Wu Xiaoyun, a Lishui resident originally from Anhui. She feels that Lishui is a city worth settling in.

After intense competition, Gacugu Zakariah Kirika from Kenya won the men’s half marathon with a time of 1 hour 8 minutes 13 seconds. Mutua Christian Ndanu, also from Kenya, won the women’s half marathon with a time of 1 hour 18 minutes 20 seconds. Chinese runner Chang Miaomiao finished third in the women’s category with a time of 1 hour 26 minutes 40 seconds. In a post-race interview, she said, “This is my first time participating in the Lishui Marathon. The course setup here has been a visual feast. The scenery is beautiful and the challenge is tough. I’m happy with my result and hope I can participate in the Lishui marathon again in the future.”

Lishui Marathon: Fully Supporting the Race

Famous host Liu Jianhong joined the live broadcast of the event.

Over 1,200 police officers were stationed at fixed points, taking responsibility for various tasks.

More than 100 sanitation workers ensured cleanliness along the course.

Eleven medical stations, ten ambulances, and over 80 medical staff were stationed along the route.

Firefighters were on duty at designated points for safety and public awareness training.

he Blue Sky Rescue Team members were on standby, ready to assist when needed.