On October 20th, the 34th Dalian Marathon kicked off with 30,000 runners crossing the starting line, energized by the cool weather and enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.
The marathon, known as “Da Ma,” took participants through the scenic streets of Dalian, a city renowned for its titles such as “Global Livable City” and “Best Tourist City in China.”
Established in 1987, the Dalian Marathon is China’s first marathon to attract over 10,000 participants, earning a strong reputation both domestically and internationally.
READ MORE: Club Quarters Unveils Stunning Transformations of Iconic London Hotels
This year’s event, certified as an A1 marathon by the China Athletics Association, introduced advanced technologies such as face recognition for efficient runner check-ins and BeiDou satellite navigation for precise race monitoring.
The full marathon’s 42.195 km route highlighted Dalian’s urban beauty, starting in the modern Donggang Business District, passing through the historic Zhongshan Square, and crossing scenic areas like Xinghai Bay and Huihua Avenue. Along the course, distinctive cultural performances, including local dances and puppet shows, added to the vibrant atmosphere.
Japanese runner Kanji Ito, returning for his second race in Dalian, praised the breathtaking course and the enthusiasm of the local supporters. The event not only provided a memorable experience for the runners but also highlighted Dalian’s charm, with cultural and tourism promotions continuing throughout October.
Source: 30,000 Marathon Runners Light Up Dalian with a Stunning Race Through the City