Chongqing- The Chongqing Women's Half Marathon has grown rapidly in stature ever since the yearly event first began in 2015. Last year, the Chinese Athletics Association designated the race a gold-level event, which qualified the event for recognition as an international standard competition. In 2020, World Athletics certified the Chongqing Women's Half Marathon as a 'Bronze Label Road Race,' making it the world's third women's marathon which such accreditation after Nagoya and Osaka.

A World Athletics Label denotes high standards in event organisation, the full application of the World Athletics Competition Rules, support from public authorities to the event, and a tangible commitment to anti-doping. For events with a mass participation component, Labels signify superior standards in safety and runner experience (Source: World Athletics)

Now the event is officially listed on the international calendar of World Athletics, organisers hope to raise the profile of women's races both in Chongqing and nationwide, as well as attract the wider attention of sponsors and media outlets.

The founding motivation behind the Chongqing Women's Half Marathon was the fact there was previously no such event outside of Japan. Since the women of Chongqing possess their unique qualities of beauty, diligence, independence, and a candid personality, Chongqing was a perfect location to launch such an event in China, and to promote an active lifestyle to women in general.

Within the marathon, there is a variety of events that appeal to all levels of competition and personal aims. The half marathon offers an elite competition with medals accredited by World Athletics, while amateur runners have the choice of half marathon, a 10 kilometre course, a mother and child event, and also a mini-marathon of 5 kilometres.

Participation in the women's marathon has been positive ever since the event was first held in 2015. Runners in the first years numbered 3500, and has increased year upon year. In 2019, the race attracted 12,000 runners. Currently, the organisers don't operate a lottery system to decide who can take part from among the applicants, but the total number of people registering each year exceeds the official quota.

The Chongqing Women's Half Marathon is an international event, so women the world over are welcome to participate and share their passion for running amongst the glamorous settings of Mountain City.