Over 12,000 people run in Lijiang marathon

The Lijiang International Marathon is held in Lijiang, Yunnan province on June 24. [Photo/news.cn]

The Lijiang International Marathon began in Lijiang, Yunnan province on June 24.

A total of 12,823 runners from countries and regions such as Germany, Canada, Myanmar and Thailand participated in the race, with the eldest runner being 79 years old and the youngest being two years old.

The competition included a 42.2-kilometer full marathon , a 21.1- kilometer half marathon and a 4.5-kilometer fun run to satisfy all runners at all levels of the physical spectrum.

Runners got a taste of the popular tourist city with some jaw-dropping scenic spots, natural scenery and unique architecture. Setting out from the old towns of Dayan and Shuhe, they passed by the old town of Baisha and got a glimpse of Yulong Snow Mountain before turning back.

Su Guoxiong won the men's full marathon with a time of 2:27:06, while Li Zhixuan snatched the women's title with a time of 2:49:36.

Lu Aijun, deputy mayor of Lijiang, noted at the opening ceremony that Lijiang will combine the development of sports with culture and tourism to promote public fitness and show off the city's unique characteristics.

A team of 60 blind participants was a highlight of the competition. The team was organized by the Lijiang Disabled Persons Federation, who provided the runners with special training prior to the event.