Yuan'an marathon celebrates 10th anniversary with scenic run
2026-03-15 20:03:29
By Hu Yikai.
Nearly 5,000 runners participated in the 2026 Yuan'an Marathon on March 15.
Li Xiang from Jilin Province won the men's full marathon in 2:25:41, while Sun Yanping from Hunan Province claimed the women's title in 2:51:17. Liu Jun won the men's half marathon in 1:08:21, while Wang Lu took the women's half marathon title in 1:25:57.
The race started at 8 am at Taohuadao Ecological Wetland Park. This year’s event marked the 10th anniversary of the Yuan’an Marathon.
The race is the first officially co-hosted by Hubei Province and the Chinese Athletics Association. It holds Gold Label status from the CAA and a World Athletics Label.
This year’s route was upgraded to showcase the county's natural beauty, taking runners through greenways, rural landscapes, and fields of blooming rapeseed flowers. It allowed participants to experience what is known as the most beautiful field track in Hubei.
Music stations were set up along the course and food tasting areas awaited runners at the finish line, creating a festive
cultural atmosphere. To ensure safety, organizers deployed over 1,000 volunteers and expanded medical and security support.
Finisher medals feature local elements such as rapeseed flowers and Leizu, a legendary figure in Chinese history credited with the invention of silk.
After the race, runners enjoyed a traditional banquet featuring local food. The event also included a photo exhibition looking back on its 10-year history, along with a special birthday celebration area for runners whose birthdays fell on race day.
Zeng Xuebin also contribute to this story.
Nearly 5,000 runners participated in the 2026 Yuan'an Marathon on March 15.
Li Xiang from Jilin Province won the men's full marathon in 2:25:41, while Sun Yanping from Hunan Province claimed the women's title in 2:51:17. Liu Jun won the men's half marathon in 1:08:21, while Wang Lu took the women's half marathon title in 1:25:57.
Li Xiang crosses the finish line to win the men’s full marathon. Photo by Fu Beibei.
The race started at 8 am at Taohuadao Ecological Wetland Park. This year’s event marked the 10th anniversary of the Yuan’an Marathon.
The race is the first officially co-hosted by Hubei Province and the Chinese Athletics Association. It holds Gold Label status from the CAA and a World Athletics Label.
This year’s route was upgraded to showcase the county's natural beauty, taking runners through greenways, rural landscapes, and fields of blooming rapeseed flowers. It allowed participants to experience what is known as the most beautiful field track in Hubei.
Runners compete amid picturesque scenery along the route. Photo by Fu Beibei.
Music stations were set up along the course and food tasting areas awaited runners at the finish line, creating a festive
cultural atmosphere. To ensure safety, organizers deployed over 1,000 volunteers and expanded medical and security support.
Finisher medals feature local elements such as rapeseed flowers and Leizu, a legendary figure in Chinese history credited with the invention of silk.
After the race, runners enjoyed a traditional banquet featuring local food. The event also included a photo exhibition looking back on its 10-year history, along with a special birthday celebration area for runners whose birthdays fell on race day.
Zeng Xuebin also contribute to this story.
