The 4th Ningxia Yellow River Golden Coast International Marathon will start in Wuzhong City on September 8. At a press conference held by the organizing committee on August 20, it was revealed that this year’s event will feature 1,019 professional athletes, including 89 international participants from six countries such as Germany and Kenya. In addition, nearly 26,000 athletes will take part in the 4-kilometer mini marathon, with expected on-site spectators surpassing 100,000. The total prize money for the event has been increased to 1.2 million yuan.
This year’s race includes various events such as full marathon (42.195 km) for both men and women, half marathon, 10 km races, and a 4 km mini marathon. A total of 26,000 participants have signed up for the 4 km mini marathon, including international students from local universities such as Ningxia University, North Minzu University, and Ningxia Medical University. It is estimated that over 100,000 spectators will gather at the event sites across five districts and counties within Wuzhong City’s jurisdiction—including Litong District, Hongsibu District, Qingtongxia City, Yanchi County, and Tongxin County—as well as surrounding areas.
Both the starting and finishing points will be at Shengyuan Square in Wuzhong City. The route will pass through key scenic spots along both banks of the Yellow River, including Crescent Square, Binhe Avenue, the Two Museums and One Center complex, Binhe Sports Park, the Yellow River Bridge, and the Yellow River Tower. The finish line for the half marathon will be set at the majestic Yellow River Tower, while the 10 km race will conclude at the Yellow River Wharf. Most of the race sections are located along the picturesque banks of the Yellow River, showcasing not only the urban characteristics of the marathon but also highlighting the achievements of the Yellow River Golden Coast development.
For the first time, the number of professional athletes registered for this marathon has exceeded 1,000, totaling 1,019—246 more than the previous edition. Among them, 383 will compete in the full marathon (both men and women), 242 in the half marathon, and 382 in the 10 km races. The 89 international athletes participating in the full, half, and 10 km races come from six countries: Germany, Kenya, Ethiopia, Japan, Egypt, and Malaysia.
The total prize money for this event is 1.2 million yuan. The first-place winners in the men’s and women’s full marathon will each receive 20,000 US dollars, second place 15,000 US dollars, and third place 8,000 US dollars. For the half marathon, first place will be awarded 10,000 US dollars, second place 8,000 US dollars, and third place 5,000 US dollars. Additionally, to encourage more amateur runners to participate, an incentive award has been introduced this year. Athletes who complete the full, half, or 10 km marathon and rank from 9th to 58th in their respective gender categories will each receive a reward of 300 yuan. Those ranking from 59th to 158th will receive 200 yuan each upon presenting their race bib and result certificate.