The 2023 Xi'an Marathon started with a gunshot at Yongning Gate in Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province, on Oct 29, with 35,000 runners from around the world participating.

A horde of runners participate in the 2023 Xi'an Marathon on Oct 29. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]

The marathon featured men's and women's marathons, half marathons, and a happy run.

Along the route, participants were treated to the green, innovative, civilized, and open city of Xi'an, experiencing an enthusiastic, joyous, and harmonious atmosphere.

After fierce competition, Dong Guojian finished first in the men's full marathon with a time of 2 hours, 10 minutes, and 44 seconds, while Yang Hua finished first in the women's full marathon with a time of 2 hours, 40 minutes, and 24 seconds.

Runners wave during the 2023 Xi'an Marathon. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]

The Xi'an Marathon was established in 2017 and became a gold-medal event of the Chinese Athletics Association in 2019. In 2021, it was named a World Athletics Elite Label Road Race in recognition of its high quality.

In addition to the in-person participants, runners from all over the country also participated in online races.

A runner shows the slogan on his glove. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]