Chongqing - On September 27, the launch event for the 2024 Chongqing (Changjiahui) Half Marathon took place in Chongqing. The highly anticipated race attire and finisher medals were unveiled, and the race will commence at Haitang Yanyu Park along Nanbin Road on November 3 at 7:30 a.m.

On September 27, the launch event for the 2024 Chongqing (Changjiahui) Half Marathon took place in Chongqing. (Photo/The event organizer)

As a key event in the Chongqing Marathon series, this half marathon has gained recognition for its professional organization and high-quality service, establishing a strong nationwide reputation.

This year's event features both a half marathon (21.0975 kilometers) and a fun run (7.1 kilometers), accommodating 25,000 participants. The half marathon has expanded its slots by 5,000, allowing 15,000 runners. For the first time, qualification will be determined by a lottery system, which attracted over 50,000 pre-registrations on the first day and a total of 72,368, yielding a selection rate of about 20.7%. The fun run also saw rapid enrollment, filling its 10,000 spots in less than five days.

Data shows the event's influence is rising, attracting participants from 18 countries, including Germany, the UK, Italy, and Australia. Runners from all 34 provinces and regions in China have signed up, with non-local participants making up around 40% of the total.

On September 25, the National Sports Administration released eight premier outdoor sports routes for the upcoming National Day holiday. The "Explore Chongqing in Nan'an" route is the only one from Chongqing featured. The Sports Culture Development Center has also selected this route as one of the "Top Ten Sports Tourism Projects in China."

The race course will showcase iconic landmarks, including Nanshan Mountain and the Chongqing Grand Theatre, offering participants a scenic and culturally rich experience. The finisher medal design, reflecting the scenic area's significance as Chongqing's urban hub, features a window-like shape, while the race attire combines a modern minimalist style with a trendy purple-pink gradient.

The finisher medal.(Photo/The event organizer)

As the event continues to grow in prominence, the Chongqing (Changjiahui) Half Marathon is crucial in promoting public fitness and enhancing the city's sports marketing landscape.