By Yuling Chen, EDITOR

On the morning of November 18, the “2018 Chongqing International Half Marathon” kicked off in Banan District, Chongqing. A total of more than 15,000 runners from 15 countries and regions participated in the event. They enjoyed the marathon and meanwhile appreciating the scenery along the Yangtze River.

On the morning of November 18, the “2018 Chongqing International Half Marathon” kicked off in Banan District, Chongqing. (Photo from CQCB)

The event hosts are the Chinese Athletics Association, Administration of Sport of Chongqing, and the People’s Government of Chongqing Banan District. It is the third session since its establishment in 2016. The entry limits to 15,000 players, including 10,000 participants in half marathon, and 5,000 runners for mini race. Regasa Mulatu Tesfaye from Ethiopia and Gladys Kemboi from Kenya won the Men’s and Women’s Half Marathon Championships, with the competition results of 1:06:52 and 1:17:19 respectively.

The Organizing Committee has pioneered a "give me five" way. On behalf of Chongqing districts and counties, provinces in China as well as other places where runners come from, volunteers with “exclusive identification” stood at three water-supply stations along the course. When runners passed by a certain station, responding volunteers from their hometown or countries hailed "add-oil" in their native languages. It offered  the kindest welcome and encouragement as  hometown people.

Source: CQCB