On the afternoon of the 31st, the 2018 BAIC New Energy · Guangzhou Huadu Rock 'n' Roll Marathon officially commenced at Huadu Square. Making its debut in Guangzhou, the event saw overwhelming popularity, with both the half marathon (21.0975 km) and fun run (approximately 6 km) filling up quickly. Many international running enthusiasts also traveled to participate, showcasing the immense influence of the globally renowned Rock 'n' Roll Marathon brand.
In the end, Shi Jilin won the men's half marathon championship with a time of 1 hour, 15 minutes, and 32 seconds, while Lai Xiaobin and Cai Fazheng secured second and third places respectively. Yin Xiaoyu claimed the women's half marathon title with a time of 1 hour, 28 minutes, and 45 seconds, followed by Song Xuan and Chen Liqin in second and third places.
In addition to awarding the top three male and female finishers in the half marathon, the event also presented three team awards: "Team PK Competition," "Largest Team," and "Lucky Team." The top three teams in both the men’s and women’s divisions of the "Team PK Competition" received exclusive gift packs from Under Armour, while the winners of the "Largest Team" and "Lucky Team" were each awarded one entry to the 2018 Berlin Marathon, part of the World Marathon Majors (WMM).
Furthermore, the event held a lucky draw on-site for individual participants, offering five lucky entries to the 2018 Berlin Marathon and Chicago Marathon, both part of the World Marathon Majors (WMM).
A top-tier event that drew massive enthusiasm
As a globally recognized road running brand, the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon has grown over 20 years to become the world’s largest marathon series in terms of participation and scale. Making its first appearance in Guangzhou, the 2018 BAIC New Energy · Guangzhou Huadu Rock 'n' Roll Marathon saw an extraordinary surge in popularity. Registration for both the half marathon (21.0975 km) and fun run (around 6 km) sold out quickly, attracting numerous international running enthusiasts and highlighting the immense global influence of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon brand.
At 2:30 PM, with the crack of a starting gun, thousands of half marathon runners surged forward from Huadu Square, heading east along Huadu Avenue. They passed through the serene Ma'anshan Park and arrived at the picturesque Xinjie River, then ran westward alongside the water, encircling the vibrant and lush Huadu Lake Wetland Park, taking in the beautiful scenery of Huadu along the way. At 2:50 PM, participants in the fun run also began their Rock 'n' Roll Marathon journey to the beat of music at the main stage.
A musical extravaganza creates an electrifying atmosphereon the race course
As a major global marathon series, each edition of the event features powerful live music performances at the start and finish stages, which have become a signature attraction that sets the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon apart. For the 2018 BAIC New Energy · Guangzhou Huadu Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, organizers teamed up with China’s leading music company Modern Sky, with its sports sub-label taking charge of the event’s music design and live performance production.
The main stage lineup featured well-known bands from Guangdong and across China, including Griffin, Mosaic, and Toy Boat, as well as emerging punk band Miss Future and international act Revolution, which gained fame for its live performances. Over the course of nearly six hours, five renowned bands from both China and abroad took turns delivering a music experience on par with a music festival. Additionally, five “music fueling stations” were set up along the race route, where popular DJs such as He Bocheng & xXPATRICKXx, Techko, and SkullDyan, together with four bands—Nouvelle, Foreigners, Mary Jane, and Pinboard—used powerful rock beats to create an electrifying course for the runners.
Runners from all walks of life praise the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon
The event attracted a host of notable figures. Chinese track and field star Shi Dongpeng, renowned football commentator Shao Shengyi, entrepreneur and six-star runner Li Xiaobai, Dong Baoqing, veteran media personality and representative of the First Run Club Wang Yong, and well-known running-themed comic artist and designer Xing Yeluan all appeared on the half marathon course. Former national football team player Li Yi, veteran sports journalist Lü Shi, TV host Ma Fanshu, and experienced football commentator Yuan Jia participated in the fun run.
Shi Dongpeng said, “I’ve always loved running, but this is my first time at a rock 'n' roll marathon. I really like the atmosphere here—the music is great and makes you want to run even more.” Meanwhile, former national team player Li Yi said, “I hope to experience the joy of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon through the fun run. Even though it’s quite hot, it’ll be easy for me as a ‘local.’”
Li Xiaobai, a well-known six-star runner who has participated in multiple Rock 'n' Roll Marathons, said, “Every time I take part in a Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, there’s something new and surprising. Coming to Huadu this time, I got to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the course and truly experienced the unique charm of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in a joyful state of mind and body.”
Wang Yong, founder of the Capital Media Running Club and a veteran media personality who organized a group of runners for the event, said, “As marathon enthusiasts, participating in this Rock 'n' Roll Marathon gave us an absolutely 'awesome' experience. The music was great, the course was great, and the feeling of running was even greater.”
Meticulous service and support for the event
Committed to making the 2018 BAIC New Energy · Guangzhou Huadu Rock 'n' Roll Marathon a top-quality event, the Guangzhou Huadu District Government placed great importance on the race. Nine medical stations were set up along the course, with 11 ambulances, 15 first aid teams, and 65 medical personnel on standby. Additionally, over 1,300 volunteers were recruited, 3,500 security personnel were deployed to ensure safety, and the course route was carefully designed with landscaping upgrades. Considering the high temperatures on race day, the organizing committee made thorough preparations, increasing the density of hydration stations, boosting water supply, and using additional ice and misting stations to help ensure runners could compete smoothly.
Coinciding with the 2018 China Trust Ladies Golf Classic in Guangzhou, several internationally renowned female golfers also appeared on the fun run course, including Tahnia Ravnjak, a rising star from Australia and champion of the China LPGA Qualifying Tournament; Hanee Song from New Zealand, holder of the lowest score record at the Victoria Open; and Yeseul Lee, a celebrated South Korean golfer who finished fifth at the Zhuhai Hengqin International Elite Tournament.
The 2018 BAIC New Energy · Guangzhou Huadu Rock 'n' Roll Marathon was hosted by the People’s Government of Huadu District, Guangzhou, and organized by the Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, News and Publication (Sports Bureau) of Huadu District, Guangzhou, and Wanda Sports China. Wanda Sports China was also responsible for the event’s operation and promotion. The event received strong support from title sponsor BAIC New Energy, honorary sponsor UA, official sponsor Century Life Insurance, official designated running app Joyrun, official athlete photography provider FinisherPix, as well as partners Qiumiao Sports, Wanda Cinemas, and Modern Sky.