Chongqing - On March 2, the 2025 Chongqing Marathon, sponsored by Changan Automobile, kicked off enthusiastically at Haitang Yanyu Park in Nan'an District, Chongqing. This year's event attracted a record 35,000 participants from 26 countries and 406 cities, all coming together in the beautiful surroundings of Chongqing to celebrate the marathon spirit. The race, set against the stunning Yangtze River, highlighted the city's unique mix of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

The event also becomes an occasion for friends to have fun together (Photo/Chongqing Marathon)

The event aimed to be friendly to professional and amateur runners, featuring two main categories: a full marathon with 25,000 runners and a mini-marathon with 10,000 participants. Notably, the full marathon attracted a historic high of 221,436 pre-registrations, with the mini-marathon adopting a lottery system for the first time to determine eligibility.

The racecourse, renowned for its flat and fast terrain, followed the classic Chongqing Marathon route along the Yangtze River. Runners passed iconic landmarks such as the Longmenhao Old Street, the Former Site of the French Naval Barracks, and the Chongqing Planning Exhibition Hall, offering a visual feast of the city's historical and modern charm. The route also provided breathtaking views of Chaotianmen, Chongqing Grand Theater, and Hongyadong across the river, integrating the magical mountain city's diverse landscapes into a seamless running experience.

Overseas friends are enjoying running (Photo/Chongqing Marathon)

This year's event attracted elite athletes from around the globe. Kenya’s Boaz Kipkemei clinched the men's title with a record-breaking time of 2:07:18, while Bahrain's Tigist Gashaw Belay won the women's race in 2:24:44. Chinese runners also made their mark, with Yin Shunjin and Ding Changqin securing top honors in the men's and women's domestic categories, respectively. The race also saw a record 2,933 runners finish within three hours, highlighting the growing competitiveness of China's marathon scene.

To ensure a safe and seamless experience, the organizers implemented a comprehensive safety system, including 70 medical stations, 30 ambulances, and 120 AEDs, supported by over 4,200 security personnel and 957 medical volunteers. The event also leveraged advanced technology, such as an intelligent command system and real-time data analytics, to enhance safety and efficiency. Additionally, the marathon introduced a five-wave start system to optimize runner flow and improve overall race conditions.

Chongqing Marathon is a caring and inclusive event for all (Photo/Chongqing Marathon)

The marathon also catalyzed deep and meaningful economic and cultural exchange. The 2025 Chongqing Sports Consumption Month, launched in conjunction with the race, featured exhibitions and activities across four themed zones, attracting over 120 enterprises from 15 provinces and five countries. The event generated a significant economic impact, with three strategic projects signed on-site, totaling 3 billion yuan (about 411,873,000 USD) in investment.

The 2025 Chongqing Marathon set new athletic standards and strengthened its reputation as a world-class event that blends sports, culture, and technology. As the marathon continues to grow, it remains a strong platform and cultural asset for promoting Chongqing's unique identity and supporting the development of China's marathon movement.