On the morning of December 31, the 2023 Hengqin Marathon kicked off in Hengqin Financial Island ** Park. 20,000 contestants from 23 countries and regions participated in the competition to draw a "flowing landscape" in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.
The scale of the event is gradually expanding.
Runners from 23 countries and regions participated
It is understood that since its launch in 2018, the scale of the Hengqin Marathon has gradually expanded, and the number of participants this year has reached 20,000 from 23 countries and regions, and the popularity and vitality of the event have been further improved. This year is the fifth anniversary of the Hengqin Marathon, in addition to the finisher medals and the "Fifth Anniversary" logo printed on the uniforms, the event also carried out a series of activities such as the ** collection competition, the Douyin competition, and the essay contest. The event also created a series of cultural and creative products for the fifth anniversary of the Hengqin Marathon, adding new charm to the image of the race.
The scene of the event. In terms of track design, the length of the track of this event reached 42195 kilometers, connecting Hengqin Financial Island ** Park, Hengqin Port, Hengqin International Tennis Center, Tianmu River Ecological Corridor, Mangzhou Wetland Park, Flower Sea Corridor and many other landmark buildings and scenic spots in Hengqin. The water network along the track is reflected, and the green promenade is intertwined with the twin cities of Hengqin and Macao, demonstrating the construction achievements and vigorous development of the cooperation zone.
After fierce competition, Zhang Zhihao, a runner from Chongqing, China, won the men's marathon championship with a time of 2 hours, 20 minutes and 28 seconds (gunshots).Leah Cheruto from Kenya broke the women's marathon with a time of 2 hours, 33 minutes and 19 seconds (gunfire).
In the half marathon, Solomon Koech from Kenya won the men's race with a time of 1 hour, 5 minutes and 53 seconds (gunshots).Lemlem Abebe Asefa from Ethiopia won the women's race with a time of 1 hour, 16 minutes and 14 seconds (gunshots).
Continue to strengthen event services.
More than 2,000 volunteers were recruited
It is understood that the Hengqin Marathon has always been runner-centered to create event services, and this year it has also continued to strengthen event services, and has made comprehensive deployments in event organization, safety and security, and medical system.
According to the data, a total of 2,119 student volunteers and social volunteers provided volunteer services such as event guidance, pre-race check-in, supply distribution, order maintenance, track medical care, and post-race recoveryThere are 44 official pacemakers, 21 physician runners, 560 medical observation volunteers, 156 referees, and 950 security personnel.
The scene of the event. At the same time, 19 supply stations, 27 medical stations, 30 ambulances, and 110 mobile AED (cardiac defibrillators) were set up along the course to protect every runner on the track. At the end of the course, there is also an ice area and a relaxation and stretching area to help runners eliminate fatigue and reduce sports injuries.
With the accelerated development of the integration of Hengqin and Macao, Macao runners have also gained a smooth and undifferentiated experience in the same city. Before the competition, Macao players can directly collect their goods in Macao, take the shuttle bus set up by the organizing committee in Macao, and pass through the Hengqin port to come to Hengqin Financial Island ** Park to participate in the competition. It is learnt that this year's race attracted a total of 841 Macao runners, a significant increase compared to previous years.
Build a multi-sports city brand.
Further prosper the cultural and sports undertakings in the cooperation zone
According to reports, since 2018, the Hengqin Marathon has cooperated with the Administration of the Pearl River Estuary Chinese White Dolphin National Nature Reserve and the Huafa Public Welfare Association, with the slogan of "Protecting Chinese White Dolphins is a Marathon" to carry out healthy and energetic public welfare long-distance running activities.
During this year's event, 200 members of the Chinese White Dolphin Conservation Charity Running Group wearing white dolphin-themed T-shirts gathered at the end of the mini-marathon track to pick up garbage along the track while running, and used actions to arouse people's attention and protection of Chinese white dolphins and marine ecology.
According to the Organizing Committee, the Hengqin Marathon and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin will uphold integrity and innovation, jointly build a diversified sports city brand, promote the deepening and integrated development of cultural and sports undertakings in Hengqin and Macao, further prosper the cultural and sports undertakings of the Cooperation Zone, and contribute to the construction of a sports power.
Written by: Nandu reporter Wang Jinghao.