The Suzhou Marathon sold out in half an hour, with 15 blind runners participating for the first time.
On the afternoon of the 17th, the Suzhou Industrial Park held a press conference for the 5th Suzhou Jinji Lake International Half Marathon. According to the announcement, this year’s Jinji Lake International Half Marathon will start at 9:00 a.m. on March 30. Unlike previous years, this year features an additional 11-kilometer short-distance marathon, and 15 blind participants are taking part. Registration has already exceeded 20,000 people, with about 7,000 runners signed up for the half marathon. Additionally, the event is applying for silver-label status from the Chinese Athletics Association.
Half-marathon registration “sold out” in 60 hours
According to reports, following 2013, this year’s event has once again been officially included in the annual athletics competition plan of the Chinese Athletics Association, making it a national-level sporting event. Due to the growing enthusiasm of marathon runners across the country, the half-marathon reached full capacity just 60 hours after registration opened. The short-distance, mini, and family events also hit their limits very quickly. The youngest registered participant is 4 years old, while the oldest is 92.
New 11-kilometer short-distance marathon added
It is understood that this year’s participants come from 30 countries and regions including Kenya, Ethiopia, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.
The starting point of the race is located at the Moonlight Wharf – Cultural and Arts Center Plaza in the Industrial Park. This year’s half marathon includes four events: a 21-kilometer half marathon, an 11-kilometer short-distance marathon, a 5-kilometer mini marathon, and a 2.5-kilometer family fun run. Compared to previous years, to meet the diverse needs of long-distance running enthusiasts, this edition introduces an 11-kilometer short-distance marathon.
15 blind runners join the 5-kilometer race
This year’s marathon has organized a charity run, encouraging participation from caring individuals. Blind participants from the “Little Red Cap” volunteer group and children from the Love House have added warmth to the event.
Chen Yong, a board member of the Suzhou Little Red Cap Volunteer Association, told reporters that this year the Little Red Caps have partnered with the Suzhou Association for the Blind. Currently, 15 blind participants have signed up for the 5-kilometer race. The oldest among them is 58 years old, and the youngest is 38. Considering the significant challenges blind runners face, in addition to the medical team provided by the organizers, the Little Red Cap Volunteer Association has also dispatched volunteers to assist each blind runner “one-on-one” in completing the 5-kilometer run. Currently, volunteers and blind participants are undergoing communication, coordination, and running drills to ensure they finish smoothly, allowing the blind to experience a sense of participation.
Over a thousand volunteers providing services
This event has garnered attention and support from all sectors of society. Currently, more than 1,000 volunteers from volunteer groups organized by the Industrial Park Volunteer Association, universities, enterprises, and institutions are providing services for the race. Additionally, over 500 police officers will be on duty onsite, and more than 100 medical personnel will be on standby to ensure the safety of participants.
In addition to race safety measures, the organizing committee has carried out extensive work on security. The event has introduced new measures such as police dogs, anti-explosive, and counter-terrorism protocols, and established a comprehensive on-site command center to further strengthen race management and ensure public safety.
Applying for silver-label status
It is reported that this year’s prize money has significantly increased, rising from the original 10,000 RMB to 5,000 USD. Furthermore, the event is applying for “silver-label” status from the Chinese Athletics Association. In accordance with relevant standards, the organizing committee will conduct doping sample tests, sending collected samples to a Beijing laboratory certified by the World Anti-Doping Agency. This year, runners’ times will also be recorded using net timing to ensure more accurate results.
Additionally, the organizing committee has placed greater emphasis on the experience of the majority of amateur runners this year. A participant wall has been set up at the main venue as a photo spot, and half-marathon runners will receive medals and goody bags. Short-distance marathon participants will also be awarded finisher medals upon crossing the finish line.