2018 Harbin International Marathon Concludes

The 2018 Harbin International Marathon concluded in Harbin, capital city of Northeast China's Heilongjiang province on Aug 26.

About 30,000 running enthusiasts from 31 countries and regions took part in the early-Autumn race, including 20 professional athletes.

With long-distance running becoming increasingly popular in China, the Harbin event, sponsored by the government of Harbin, Heilongjiang Sports Bureau, and China Track and Field Association, provided participants with a unique experience as the route takes in Songhua River and Sun Island which both have stunning, photogenic scenery.

The sponsors hope that the marathon will help Harbin promote its reputation as a tourism city.

Runners were able to choose between a full marathon (42 kilometers), a half marathon (21 km), a mini marathon (5 km) and a family marathon.

It is the third time that this kind of race has been held in Harbin.

This event’s family marathon was held as part of a special initiative designed to raise money for local charity projects.

Family marathon
The family marathon is a brand new race specially designed for families. It requires two adults and one child to participate together. The distance of a family marathon is around 3 km, and all family members are required to cross the finishing point in order to complete the race.

Raising money for charity projects
The organizing committee of Harbin International Committee cooperated with the education department of Harbin and Xingxing Foundation to raise money for charity projects. All the money raised from charity registration fees and other channels will be used for funding primary schools in poor and remote areas of Harbin to improve education facilities and student welfare.

Run with East Asian Cultural Capital runners
The runners from the cities (Kanazawa, Japan and Busan, Korea) selected as East Asian Cultural Capitals in 2018 were invited to form a team with local Harbin cultural figures. It is hoped that the team would help serve as a platform for Harbin and three other cities to strengthen cultural communications and cooperation, boosting bilateral relationships.

After a fierce race, Amuel Momoi from Kenya won first prize for the men’s full marathon with a time of 2hr 13 min 36 sec; Kenyan runner Flavious Teresa Kwamboka won first prize for the women’s full marathon with a time of 2:42:37.