Organizer representatives launch the Agile Clearwater 2018 Lingshui International Beach Half Marathon on Dec 2 in Lingshui Li autonomous county, Hainan province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The Agile Clearwater 2018 Lingshui International Beach Half Marathon was launched on Dec 2 in Clearwater Bay, Lingshui Li autonomous county, on the eastern coast of tropical Hainan province.
The half-marathon marks the first international competition held in Hainan after the State Council released instructions on supporting Hainan to comprehensively deepen reform and opening-up.
About 10,000 amateur runners took part in the event to enjoy the unique experience of racing on a beach. After fierce competition, Koech John from Kenya came first in the men's group and Tsion Ababu Lemma from Ethiopia became the champion in the women's group.
Attractive sea views, clear water, white sand, ridges and spectacular stones make the Clearwater Bay a special place. Designed by leading sports teams, it is the world's first combination half-marathon track that mixes 11 km of beach and about 10 km of roadway along Lingshui's most beautiful coastline. Besides the half-marathon, a 10-km race and a 2.5-km family run were also organized.
According to the organizers, Clearwater Bay is one of three rare beaches where the sand can "sing". The other two are located in Hawaii and Australia.
About 10,000 amateur runners take part in the Agile Clearwater 2018 Lingshui International Beach Half Marathon, launched on Dec 2. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Jackie Wang, CEO of Shanghai Xing Bo Sports Consultation Co Ltd, one of the event organizers, said that the half-marathon in Lingshui combined sports with local culture and tourism while highlighting the special geographical features of the region, which is the tendency of global marathons.
He added that a total of about 20,000 people were expected to visit Lingshui and join the beach marathon events. Many of them came from overseas, including from countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.
Through international beach marathons, organizers expect to establish a global platform to conduct international sports exchanges and better promote the Hainan Li brocade culture, now protected as a world intangible cultural heritage, said officials from the Hainan Culture, TV, Publishing and Sports Bureau, which also co-organized the event.
The event sponsors included the Chinese Athletics Association, Lingshui Li autonomous county people's government and Hainan Agile Real Estate Development Co Ltd.
Organizers and representatives launch the 2018 Lingshui International Beach Half Marathon Series in April. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
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