Runners at the 2016 Shanghai Songjiang Half Marathon, themed "Journey of Discovery – River & City", set off at the starter's pistol from Happy Valley at 8 am on Mar 20.
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Runners set off from Chenshan Botanical Garden to start the 2016 Shanghai Songjiang Half Marathon at 8 am on Mar 20. [Photo/sheshantravel.gov.cn] |
Runners carried on to Chenshan Botanical Garden, an archeological relic, and finally arrived in Songjiang University Town to complete the 21 kilometer half marathon.
Emmanuel Kipchirchir Mutai from Tanzania won the men's title in 1:02:58, while an Ethiopian runner won the women’s title. Li Zicheng and Li Wenjie ranked first among Chinese men and women runners.
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Emmanuel Kipchirchir Mutai from Tanzania wins the men's title with a time of 1:02:58. [Photo/sheshantravel.gov.cn] |
To prevent injury, the marathon event organizer set 500 organizers, 1,000 volunteers and 20 ambulances along the route. There were 13 refreshment spots every 2.5 kilometers, each one decorated in different styles depicting different ages of the city, telling the story of Shanghai Songjiang district. Hot water, ginger tea and energy bars were all supplied to the runners.
At the same time as the half marathon, the organizers also held a shorter running event totaling 12 kilometers with 4,000 participants, promoting a healthy lifestyle. All runners received participation awards.
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Li Zicheng claimed top spot among the Chinese runners. [Photo/sheshantravel.gov.cn] |
During the marathon, a charity activity named "Run for Rhino" was launched to raise funds for the protection of the endangered animal.
