C o l u m n
ASK YOURSELF WHY
Chongqing Marathon : Chongqing sits at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers , is roughly the size of Austria , and is the only city in China with a permanent population of over 30 million . This is the ‘ noodle pot ’ marathon , held over a flat , fast double out-and-back course , and offering a festive post-race experience where runners gather in a square not far from the finish , to enjoy their noodle pot . The race is known for its great organisation and good weather conditions .
Xichang Qiongshi Lake Wetlands International Marathon : Although a little-known city , this event has much to offer and attracts around 20,000 runners across the 42km , 21km and 5km distances . With an altitude of 1500m ( similar to Johannesburg and Pretoria ), the race offers a flat route around the stunning Qiongshi Lake , including 2km on a walkway , and provides unbelievable views . Throughout the route , you ’ ll see the local community in their cultural clothing lining the route and on every bridge . No race weekend visit would be complete without a visit to the walled ancient village , and for a few who book early enough , there ’ s the opportunity to stay in one of the original hotels .
Despite my limited experience of around a dozen World Athletics Label races in China , the diversity of theme , environment and presentation has left me craving the next experience . These are some of my first-hand experiences that stand out :
Kunming Marathon : Although Kunming – The Spring City – lies at 1100m altitude , it enjoys consistent weather year-round . In December , the race month , the lake is the chosen migration venue for seagulls who come south from Siberia to enjoy the warmer climate . Feeding the birds is a favourite feature of this time of year .
Lanzhou Marathon : Lanzhou is the capital city of the northwest Gansu Province , is located on the Yellow River , and was a major link on the northern Silk Route . Prior to COVID , the Lanzhou Marathon attracted over 40,000 runners from 19 countries , and 2019 saw Ethiopian Worknesh Edesa set a women ’ s course record of 2:30:22 , while Kenyan Justus Kimutai took men ’ s honours in 2:11:47 . This was in spite of the 1500m altitude , which gives an indication of how fast the course is . That year ’ s race also hosted a World Athletics Road Running Conference .
Beijing Marathon : The capital city race , which celebrated it ’ s 40 anniversary edition in 2023 , starts in Tiananmen Square and runs past the Forbidden City , CCTV Tower , parks and temples , and finishes outside The Nest , which was the main stadium for the 2008 Olympics .
Changsha Marathon : Changsha is the capital of Hunan Province and the home of Chairman Mao Zedong , founder of the People ’ s Republic of China and its leader from 1949 to 1976 , which offers a great storyline for the marathon . The city is also home of the famous Hunan Museum , which tracks the history of human progress from stone age to modern day and gives extraordinary information on ancient life in the province . The race starts and finishes on two roads outside the main stadium , allowing runners to benefit from secure space and facilities , and runs from the city down to the Xiang River and onto the conservation area of Orange Island , with its parklands , beaches , restaurants and massive sculpture of Chairman Mao ’ s head . It then crosses the original Xiang River bridge towards the financial district , where the half marathon terminates , while the marathon returns along the riverbank , over another bridge to pass Mao ’ s College , and back to the stadium .
Sleeman Shaoxing Marathon : Shaoxing could either be called the city of water or city of bridges , as both dominate , and the marathon is estimated to cross 40 bridges as it winds through parks and along waterways . Fortunately , these bridges are flatter than the traditional Chinese hump-backed crossings and don ’ t slow the runners down . The route also runs through the home village of writer Lu Xun , where runners forego the typical 15 to 20-metre-wide streets for 4 to 5-metrewide pathways , and this stark contrast between the centuries gives one a feeling of journeying through time .
Chengdu Marathon : The Sichuan provincial capital has an affection for thimbles full of 54 % spirit , exceeded only by the spiciness and heat of their Hot Pot , which will include brains , stomach , blood and intestine , as well as more traditional ingredients . Neither reputation should be tested prior to the race ! Chengdu is also the home of the research base for the Giant Panda breeding project . This event is an Abbott Majors candidate and World Athletics Gold Label .
Suzhou Marathon : Suzhou offers both city centre and sea-level lakes , connected by a 2.5km tunnel through the mountain ridge , and the Suzhou Museum is one of the most visited in the world , with over two million visitors in 2018 . Other sites worth a race weekend visit include the ancient city and the Bei family ancestral temple near Lion Grove Garden .
Liupanshui Summer Marathon : This race in Guizhou is known as the Cool City Marathon and is held annually in July . It has doubled as the CAA national championships in previous years . The course is initially out and back , followed by a lap into the city , which provides for exciting head-to-head racing , but the altitude of 1800m does make it a harder run . The city is situated near to one of the best examples of Karst topography ( a landform – in this case a mountain – formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks , such as limestone , dolomite or gypsum ), with a cable car ride on the city outskirts that climbs to over 2200m , and additional attractions and entertainment on the mountaintop . The local museum highlights the changes from an era of coal and industry in the 1960s , to the present day focus on agriculture and tourism – which is immediately noticed by the adjacent traditional village that parties late into the night ! By contrast , a short journey takes one to the quietness of a wetland area , which is also the location for the local university .
Xiamen International Marathon : Xiamen is home to a number of high-quality running shoe brands , such as X-tep , Erke and Anta , whose factories also produce many well-known brands in South Africa , such as Saucony and Maxed . This is one of the oldest and largest marathons in China , and one of its marathon majors . It was also amongst the first marathons to offer a virtual option , back in 2015 , which results in over 50,000 entries . The out-and-back route runs along a highway at the water ’ s edge , offering terrific views .
About the Author
Norrie represented Scotland and Great Britain in numerous ultra-distance events , then represented South Africa in triathlon . He is a World Athleticsaccredited coach and course measurer , and travels all over the world to work on events , including the Olympics . He has been appointed by World Athletics as Technical Delegate to a number of the world ’ s leading Label events in Africa , Asia and the Middle East . He has authored two books ( Everyman ’ s Guide to Distance Running and Every Beginner ’ s Guide to Walking & Running ), and counts 20 Comrades medals amongst his more than 150 ultra-marathon medals , as well as multiple wins at distances from 100km to 1000km . You can read more from him at www . coachnorrie . co . za .
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