AsiaNet 201166

DONGYING, China, Oct. 22, 2025 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/--

On Oct. 19, the China Wanda · 2025 Yellow River Estuary (Dongying) Marathon & Shandong Marathon League (Dongying) took place in Dongying, attracting nearly 35,000 runners to gather here for a thrilling start.

With the sound of the starting gun at 7:30 a.m., the race began as participants embarked on their journey from the starting zone, sprinting forward along the Fuqian Avenue. Throughout the course, cheers and chants from spectators enveloped every runner in a wave of enthusiasm, while volunteers, security personnel, and medical teams worked tirelessly to safeguard the safety and smooth running of the event.

The racecourse design balanced professional competitiveness with ecological appeal. Featuring gentle terrain and spacious roads, the route facilitated optimal performance for runners of all levels.

The course weaved through urban parks such as Yuelai Lake Park, Mingtan Park, Guangli River Forest Wetland Park, and Dongying Botanical Garden, immersing participants in the city's signature landscape of "wetlands intertwined with urban spaces." It is an embodiment of Dongying's expansive, eco-friendly character. As runners savored both athletic excitement and scenic vistas, many achieved their desired results.

As Dongying's earliest, largest, and most distinctive sports event, the Yellow River Estuary (Dongying) Marathon has been successfully held 16 times since its 2008 debut. Recognized as a World Athletics Gold Label Road Race and a Chinese Athletics Association A1-certified event, it continues to rise in global prominence, ranking 5th nationally and 28th globally in World Athletics 2024 marathon rankings -- further enhancing its impact and prestige.

Source: Information Office of the Dongying Municipal People's Government