Qingzhen's half marathon combines sports and tourism

The 2025 Guiyang·Qingzhen Half Marathon, exclusively sponsored by Guizhou Guangdacheng Investment Construction Co, kicked off in Qingzhen city, Guiyang, on Oct 19. The event attracted 8,000 participants from across the country, who embarked on a thrilling 21-kilometer journey amid Qingzhen's beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture.

The 2025 Guiyang·Qingzhen Half Marathon kicks off on Oct 19. [Photo/WeChat account of Shuangshuang Guiyang, Hucheng Qingzhen]

The marathon course was a blend of the city's natural and cultural highlights. Runners passed iconic locations like Longfeng Bridge, Dinosaur Town, and Shiguang Guizhou Ancient Town. The combination of natural lakeside views and city skyline provided runners with a refreshing experience in a natural oxygen bar.

Along the route, unique performances energized runners. Villagers from Pingyuanshao village, dressed in traditional ethnic attire, sang mountain songs that resonated along the course. The ethnic costume displays allowed runners to experience the diverse cultural charm of Guizhou while on the move.

The ethnic costume displays along the route. [Photo/WeChat account of Shuangshuang Guiyang, Hucheng Qingzhen]

After the race, many participants explored Qingzhen's popular spots and streets to savor local delicacies and soak in the city's lively atmosphere. Many out-of-city runners said that they came solely to compete but were captivated by Qingzhen's scenery, cuisine, and unique culture, planning to return with family and friends for future vacations.

The integration of sports and tourism has injected new vitality into Qingzhen's economic development, with local hotels, restaurants, and retail businesses experiencing a surge in consumption during the event.

Runners rush towards the finish line. [Photo/WeChat account of Shuangshuang Guiyang, Hucheng Qingzhen]