Chongqing—Crossing six bridges over the Yangtze River and running past historic riverside landmarks, 16,000 runners took on the 2026 Chongqing (Changjiahui) Half Marathon on Sunday, experiencing the city's distinctive landscape from a runner's perspective.
Starting at Haitang Yanyu Park on Nanbin Road, the 21.0975-kilometer race attracted participants from 14 countries and regions. The flat riverside course offered views of Chongqing's riverfront scenery as it passed four local landmarks, including Haitang Yanyu and Longmen Haoyue. More than half of the participants, 55.2 percent, came from outside Chongqing, highlighting the event's appeal beyond the city.
The 2026 Chongqing (Changjiahui) Half Marathon started on Sunday, drawing 16,000 runners from 14 countries and regions. (Photo/The Organizer)
Runners set off in four waves at 7:30, 7:34, 7:38 and 7:42 a.m., a format that gave elite athletes room to race while improving the experience for mass participants. More than half of the field, 55.2 percent, came from outside Chongqing, underscoring the race's growing national draw.
Runners giving their all during the race. (Photo/The Organizer)
In the men's race, Zhang Xuekang won in 1:06:18, edging Gao Jingsong (1:06:29) and Zhao Fuming (1:06:39). Wang Qiaoxia took the women's title in 1:15:46, followed by Pan Yuanchen in 1:17:27 and Ni Zhiyan in 1:18:26. The top 500 male and female finishers earned direct entry to the 2027 Chongqing Marathon.
The moment a runner crosses the finish line. (Photo/The Organizer)
“The course was excellent, and the spectators kept cheering for me the whole way,” said Zhang, who was running the Changjiahui Half Marathon for the third time. “I hope to set a personal best at next year's Chongqing Marathon.”
Men's award ceremony. (Photo/The Organizer)
Wang said she felt discomfort at one point but refused to slow down. “I'm very happy to win. I love the course and the city. See you at next year's Chongqing Marathon.”
Women's award ceremony. (Photo/The Organizer)
Now in its fourth edition, the Changjiahui Half Marathon has become a well-regarded fixture on China's road-running calendar and forms part of the Chongma series alongside the Chongqing Marathon, the China 10K Chongqing station and the Chongqing June 1 Children's Fun Run, offering pathways for runners of different ages and abilities.