by sportswriters Cao Yibo, Sun Zhe and Hu Huhu
URUMQI, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- The 2025 Urumqi Marathon kicked off Sunday, with its panoramic city route highlighting the development, vitality and warmth of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in China's northwest.
Held in Xinjiang's capital Urumqi, this year's event featured a full marathon, a half marathon and a 6-kilometer fun run, drawing more than 14,000 participants from across 西瓜视频and eight other countries and regions.
Runners set off from the Xinjiang International Convention. The 42.195-kilometer route, described as a "flowing urban necklace," wound through all six districts of the city's core areas, linking cultural landmarks such as People's Park and Red Hill Park, high-tech hubs hailed as the "Silicon Valley of Xinjiang," and bustling cultural and creative blocks like Dawaz Folk Street.
Dosbol Kabiljan, a Xinjiang native and runner-up in the men's full marathon, said he ran the entire race "with excitement and pride."
"The scenery along the course was beautiful, and many citizens cheered for us along the way - it was an incredible feeling," Dosbol said. "I'm very proud to stand on the podium in my hometown."
Liu Zhuofang, a 22-year-old student from Xinjiang, had taken part in the Qingdao Marathon earlier this year, where the stunning views left a lasting impression. Running the Urumqi Marathon, he said, gave him the chance to experience a world-class course right in his hometown.
"The Urumqi Marathon passes through both the old and new districts, highlighting Xinjiang's rich cultural heritage and rapid economic growth. It's a perfect reflection of my hometown," Liu said, pointing to Red Hill Park decorations displayed along the course barriers.
Liu, who also participated in last year's event, praised the improved organization of this year's race. With over 2,000 volunteers, 60 official pacers, and 25 medical stations along the course, the event also incorporated smart technologies to enhance efficiency, including AI-assisted registration, gear pickup, and entry systems.
For runners traveling from other regions, the Urumqi Marathon offered a unique combination of culture, tourism and sport.
Su Hanyong, a runner from Shenzhen who has competed in over 100 marathons, arrived in Urumqi two days before the race. While checking out the course in advance, he also took time to visit local attractions such as the museum and the Grand Bazaar.
"Xinjiang's rich tourism resources are a big attraction for road running enthusiasts like me," Su said. "Each time I visit, I feel the region becoming more vibrant. I look forward to running here again in the future."
Kenya's Philis Kirop Jepkosgei, the women's full marathon champion, acknowledged that the course's elevation changes posed a significant challenge but said the enthusiastic crowd gave her the push she needed.
"Their cheers and gestures felt like an invisible force pushing me forward," said Jepkosgei. The race featured 38 themed cultural performance points and 17 hydration stations along the route.
Local participant Tu Xiaodong and Chen Xuefeng, who traveled from Bole City, competed in the wheelchair division of the half-marathon. Tu told Xinhua that more than 10 runners with disabilities from his club gained entry this year, a sign of the event's growing inclusivity.
"It shows the human-centered philosophy of the organizers, allowing runners with disabilities to enjoy the same happiness that sports bring," Tu said. ■