Chongqing - At 7:30 a.m. on March 23, the AITO·2025 Chongqing Women's Half Marathon commenced at Liujia Wharf in Chongqing's Jiangbei District. 

The race unfolded along the picturesque Beibin Road, a signature stretch of Chongqing's "Two Rivers and Four Banks" landscape. It offered runners a deep immersion into the city's unique fusion of mountainous terrain and riverfront beauty.

At 7:30 a.m. on March 23, the AITO·2025 Chongqing Women's Half Marathon commenced at Liujia Wharf in Jiangbei District. (Photo/The event organizer)

Ethiopian athlete shatters event record

In a thrilling competition, Ethiopian runner Enatnesh Wallelign Tadesse clinched the half-marathon title with a record-breaking time of 1:11:22, surpassing the previous event record (set in 2019 by a Moroccan athlete at 1:12:55). Ethiopian runners dominated the podium, with Hadas Checkole Shimuye securing second place (1:13:43) and Getenesh Sase Agafaw taking third (1:14:28).

Ethiopian runner Enatnesh Wallelign Tadesse clinched the half-marathon title with a record-breaking time of 1:11:22. (Photo/The event organizer)

Organized as a World Athletics A1-certified event, the 2025 Chongqing Women's Marathon drew a historic 15,000 participants across three categories: the half-marathon (8,000 runners), mini-run (3,000), and parent-child run (4,000). The course, praised for its runner-friendly design, featured an average elevation of 198 meters (peaking at 207 meters and dipping to 189 meters) with less than 10 meters of elevation variation and only one U-turn, earning its reputation as a "natural PB (personal best) route."

At 7:30 a.m. on March 23, the AITO·2025 Chongqing Women's Half Marathon commenced at Liujia Wharf in Jiangbei District. (Photo/The event organizer)

Spectator energy fuel runners

The race ignited the enthusiasm of Chongqing's residents, with crowds lining Beibin Road to cheer. Nearly 40 cheer stations—organized by sponsors, local communities, running clubs, and businesses—featured live bands, dragon dances, drum performances, and cycling squads. 

Teenagers line Beibin Road to cheer. (Photo/The event organizer)

A highlight was the "Culinary Fuel Zone" at the mini-run finish line in Jinyuan Plaza and Yangpaoju 1862, where six vendors from Hong'en Temple's "360 Bowls of Chongqing Flavors" block offered complimentary local delicacies, including intangible cultural heritage dishes and time-honored Chongqing brands, to refuel participants.

The vendors from Hong'en Temple's "360 Bowls of Chongqing Flavors" block offered complimentary local delicacies to refuel participants. (Photo/The event organizer)

Tailored support for female runners

Organizers emphasized inclusivity and care for women athletes. At the 12.5 km and 17.5 km marks, "Care Stations" provided sanitary products and other essentials. Post-race, runners accessed changing tents, a makeup touch-up zone, and free photo downloads to celebrate their achievements. 

The event's 3.5-hour cutoff time encouraged first-time half-marathoners, while mini-run and parent-child run participants received timing chips and finisher medals to honor their efforts.

The participants received timing chips and finisher medals to honor their efforts. (Photo/The event organizer)

Running for a cause

The Chongqing Women's Federation mobilized 41 "Yuhao Joy Run Clubs" citywide, engaging 1,250 children—including left-behind, migrant, and underprivileged youth—to promote sports participation. A special "Yuhao" team of 100 members and "Love Mothers" representatives joined the race. 

The "Let Love Run" charity initiative, co-launched by the Federation and the Chongqing Women and Children's Foundation, donated sports shoes to support disadvantaged children passionate about athletics.

At 7:30 a.m. on March 23, the AITO·2025 Chongqing Women's Half Marathon commenced at Liujia Wharf in Jiangbei District. (Photo/The event organizer)

Tech innovation enhances the experience

Collaborating with Amap (Gaode Map), organizers implemented a smart navigation system to streamline logistics, from packet pickup to traffic management. Six AI-powered cameras along the course captured personalized race videos for half-marathoners, automatically edited and delivered via SMS within two hours post-race. Free photo stations and professional photographers documented the event, with images available for download.

Six AI-powered cameras along the course captured personalized race videos for half-marathoners. (Photo/The event organizer)

Post-race festivities boost the local economy

Jiangbei District announced a series of cultural, sports, and tourism events to extend the marathon's impact. The 5th "Bashan Shushui·Sports Sichuan-Chongqing" Sports Tourism Consumption Season (Jiangbei Station) and Jiangbei Dynamic Life Season kicked off on March 21, featuring events like the Mountain City Fencing Open and Chongqing Tieshanping Trail Race. 

Concurrently, the "Beautiful Jiangbei·Consumption Season"—a fusion of food festivals, shopping carnivals, and public benefit activities—runs through mid-June, inviting visitors to run, dine, shop, and revel in Jiangbei.

Blending elite competition, cultural vibrancy, and technological innovation, the 2025 Chongqing Women's Marathon set new athletic benchmarks and reinforced Chongqing's status as a city where sports, compassion, and urban charm collide.