Runners take off at the 2023 Yangshan Half Marathon in Wuxi, East China's Jiangsu province on March 26. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]
The 2023 Yangshan Half Marathon kicked off in Yangshan town in Wuxi, Jiangsu province at 8 am on March 26.
About 5,000 runners from across China participated in the event and admired the beautiful peach blossoms in Yangshan town, which is known as the town of honey peaches in China.
The 21.0975-kilometer half marathon route passed through five unique villages, including Peach Blossom Island, Wisteria Garden and other tourist attractions in the town, allowing the runners to sense the town's picturesque scenery and rich countryside charm. The event organizers also planned for a 4-km mini marathon to take place at the same time.
Of note, a running team with several lung transplant recipients took part in this year's half marathon. The team was led by Chen Jingyu, one of China's top lung transplant surgeons and vice-president of Wuxi People's Hospital.
About 1,500 guards, 60 medical staff, and 530 volunteers were on-site to secure safety of the contestants and the success of the event, with relevant equipment and facilities introduced.
Li Peng, a PE teacher, won the men's half marathon in 1:09:34, crossing the finish line with waving hands and a confident smile, while Ni Zhiyan triumphed in the women's category in 1:23:19.
As an added bonus to this year's race, peach farmers in Yangshan saw a surge in peach sales, as people placed their orders in advance, with the promise of a great harvest this summer.
About 5,000 runners from across China enjoy the beauty of blooming peach blossoms at the 2023 Yangshan Half Marathon in Wuxi, East China's Jiangsu province on March 26. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]
Li Peng wins the men's half marathon in Wuxi, East China's Jiangsu province on March 26. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]
Ni Zhiyan triumphs in the women's category at the 2023 Yangshan Half Marathon in Wuxi, East China's Jiangsu province on March 26. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]
