The 24th Hangzhou International Marathon started on November 7 at the Huanglong Sports Center, Hangzhou.
Fifteen thousand contestants from 31 nations participated in the game. The Hangzhou city was overwhelmed by the atmospheres of the game.
The Hangzhou International Marathon has become an extensive mass fitness campaign in recent years, attracting more and more public attention. The runners are composed not only of professional athletes, but also children, the elderly, families and couples. Stanley Cheruiyot Teimet, a 30-year-old Kenyan contestant, won the first prize with a time of 2:17:59. “I am satisfied with my performance today, but it’s too bad I didn’t break the record. I will try to do better next year,” said Stanley. Two other Kenyan runners won the second and the third prize.
The “Family Run” is a bright spot of the game. The number of families that took part in the game has increased by a big margin this year. Mr. Wang, a local citizen, and his family have participated in the game for three years. He is very happy that his son can finish the course every time. “Participation is very important,” said Mr. Wang, who hopes that the game can strengthen the will of his son.
The “Couples Run” is another attraction of the game. Couples gathered at the Broken Bridge, a bridge that symbolizes love at the West Lake, and waited for the game to start. “Hangzhou, the paradise city, will witness our love today, and this will be a great memory,” said one couple.
By Xie Fang and Wang Gongyuan
|