The 2024 Xi'an Taifaxiang Marathon set off from the Yongning Gate of the Xi'an City Wall on Nov 3. It gathered 35,000 runners from around the world, allowing them to experience the unique charm of Xi'an through their strides.

This year's Xi'an Marathon featured a full marathon, a half marathon, and a fun run.

Runners pass the Bell Tower in Xi'an during the 2024 Xi'an Taifaxiang Marathon. [Photo/Xi'an news network]

The track featured a revamped course with fewer turns to enhance the participants' race experience. Starting at the Yongning Gate, the route passed through landmarks such as the Bell Tower, the Daming Palace National Heritage Park, the No 2 Bridge of Ouya Avenue, the banks of the Bahe River, the Xi'an International Convention and Exhibition Center, concluding at the stadium of the Xi'an Olympic Sports Center.

After intense competition, Chinese runner Jia E'renjia clinched the men's full marathon title with a time of 2 hours, 12 minutes, and 13 seconds, while Ethiopian athlete Derartu Hailu Gerefa won the women's full marathon crown with a time of 2 hours, 29 minutes, and 37 seconds.

Jia expressed his joy, stating, "I am thrilled to win the championship at the Xi'an Marathon. The course is great for speed, and I thoroughly enjoyed the race. I hope to return for future competitions."

Runners race during the 2024 Xi'an Taifaxiang Marathon. [Photo/Xi'an news network]

Runners in action. [Photo/Xi'an news network]