Thousands of runners hit the streets in two cities at two ends of China over the weekend, demonstrating the growing popularity of marathons. Harbin in Heilongjiang province, and Lhasa in the Tibet autonomous region were the hosts of the two thrilling events.

The 2023 Lhasa Half-Marathon took place in Tibet's capital on Sunday, challenging 4,000 runners into tackling the formidable high-altitude landscape. The largest sporting event in the region in terms of the number of participants comprised a half-marathon, a 10-kilometer run and a 5-km health run.

Held at an imposing 3,650 meters above sea level, China's highest-altitude marathon is particularly challenging due to the low oxygen levels in the atmosphere.

The Lhasa Half-Marathon Organizing Committee requires all runners to have experience in participating in sub-plateau or plateau competitions in the past two years.

"I had the courage and confidence to attempt the highest-altitude marathon before the race started, but there is really a big difference between running on the plateau and the plain areas," said runner Li Guihua after finishing the 21-km half-marathon in 2 hours and 34 minutes.

The 70-year-old from Shanghai has run more than 10 marathons this year. "Usually I can finish the half-marathon within 1 hour and 52 minutes," he said. "However, I am quite satisfied with my performance since I managed to finish the race before the cut-off time of 3 hours."

During the competition, the organizing committee supplied oxygen at each aid station, and also arranged for cultural performances and intangible cultural heritage exhibitions at the starting and finishing lines.

Three service stations were set up along the route, providing performances such as traditional Tibetan circle dances, gymnastics, fitness exercises, tai chi and tai chi sword presentations for the athletes.

The route boasted post-race recovery areas, medical service stations and oxygen supplies, including post-race oxygen tanks, to assist athletes in their physical recovery.

After a fierce competition, Sonam Tsering won the men's half-marathon in 70 minutes and 3 seconds, and Tsering Tsomo won the women's half-marathon in 83 minutes and 48 seconds.

"I am very happy to win in my hometown today," said Sonam Tsering. "I have also participated in a half-marathon in Shanghai and in the national marathon championship in the past, where my rankings were all within the top 10.

"Nowadays, more residents in Tibet are interested in sports and fitness, so we see many running groups and clubs."

Meanwhile, in the far northeast, the city of Harbin hosted 30,000 runners on Sunday, marking the triumphant return of the Harbin Marathon after a three-year hiatus.

The event, comprising a full marathon, a half-marathon and a mini run, attracted participants from 20 countries and regions.

The well-designed route included the bridge across the Songhua River and other landmarks such as the Harbin Music Corridor, Sun Island Park, Harbin Government Square and Qunli Music Square.

The race impressed Kenyan runner Muhia Kennedy Njogu, who was crowned champion of the men's half-marathon.

"Harbin is a very beautiful city. I am blown away by the European-inspired architecture and picturesque routes," Njogu told the local media after finishing in 64 minutes and 56 seconds. "The comfortable weather helped me maintain a good pace."

Technology also played a significant role in the race, with each runner provided with a unique artificial intelligence-generated documentary capturing their marathon journey.

"I have been a marathon enthusiast for over 14 years and it was not easy to procure images or videos of myself during the competition," said runner Zhao Yingkai. "I downloaded my own short video immediately after the competition.

"I can watch myself in the video among numerous competitors. I published it on my social media platform and received lots of praise, which gave me more encouragement to continue my running in the future."

Contact the writers at zhouhuiying@chinadaily.com.cn

zhouhuiying@chinadaily.com.cn

Runners take part in a marathon in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, on Sunday. LIU YANG/FOR CHINA DAILY