The GAC Motor Guiyang International Marathon kicked off at 7:30 am on June 16 in Guiyang, Southwest China's Guizhou province. More than 26,000 people from 21 countries and regions took part in the race.

The GAC Motor Guiyang International Marathon starts. [Photo by Zhou Yuangang/xinhuanet.com]

Serem Elijah Tirop from Kenya won the champion in the men's full marathon, clocking in at two hours, 17 minutes, and 11 seconds. Sechale Dalasa Adugna from Ethiopia won the women's full marathon with a time of two hours, 39 minutes, and 23 seconds. Chinese runner Yang Dinghong placed third in the men's full marathon, clocking in at two hours, 21 minutes, and 43 seconds.

The top three prizes of both the men's and women's half marathon were all claimed by runners from Ethiopia.

The marathon’s running route started from Guiyang International Conference Exhibition Center and went through several city parks, offering runners pristine natural views of sites such as Guanshan Lake Park, Yueshanhu Wetland Park, and Guizhou Karst Park.

Service was upgraded this year and the competition offered rehabilitation services, such as stretching, massages, and ice pools. Runners could also enjoy free bus and subway fare, as well as enjoy discounted tickets for resort and scenic spots in Guiyang.

The Guiyang International Marathon was launched in 2014. Last year, the competition was awarded by Chinese Athletic Association as the top marathon race, due to its exemplary competition management, competitor services, and race security.

Li Hanyi contributed to this story