Runners compete in the Beijing Marathon on the morning of November 6, 2022. Photo: VCG

The Beijing Marathon was successfully held on Sunday in Beijing after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with experts saying that the return of the event is an encouraging and positive sign for the sports industry, and it shows China has the ability to organize large sports events during the pandemic if adequate prevention and control measures are put in place.

Anubaike Kuwan from Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region won the men's event in 2:14:34. It is Kuwan's seventh championship at the event. Yang Chunlong and He Jie claim silver and bronze.

Anubaike Kuwan from Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region wins the men's event in 2:14:34 in the Beijing Marathon on November 6, 2022. Photo: Xinhua

For women, Xia Yuyu of China won the championship, finishing with 2:28:57. Runners Li Yingmei and Wang Min finished in second and third places respectively.

A total of 30,000 runners started out at Tiananmen Square and ran 42.195 kilometers to finish at Beijing Olympic Park, which was one of the main venues of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. 

Xia Yuyu (center), Li Yingmei (left) and Wang Min of China celebrate on the podium for winning the women's event in the Beijing Marathon on November 6, 2022. Photo: Xinhua

Three years on, many runners shared their joy in joining the gala and positive attitudes amid the pandemic.

"I haven't practiced my running much for almost three years, but I still finished the whole course without stopping. My time was 4 hours and 59 minutes! I'm so proud of myself," said one participant after crossing the finish line.

"A special marathon, a better me! Many runners shared their tears after completing the whole journey," said another. "I'm so grateful for my perseverance in marathon over these past years! The feeling of sports is back!"

Wang Dazhao, a Beijing-based sports commentator told the Global Times that the Beijing 2022 event is a special and high-level marathon which attracts "top-tier" runners from amateur groups. 

"Compared to the half marathon that could involve larger participant groups such as children and the elderly, the full Beijing Marathon has higher requirements for participants, attracting runners that are part of the top-tier amateurs." 

Wang also noted that the Beijing event was noteworthy because its course was designed to incorporate the Chinese capital city's most iconic cultural locations such as Tiananmen Square and the National Olympic Sports Center. 

"Marathon culture has always been a significant part of exhibiting the character of a city."

"The Beijing event involves a lot of landmark sites, reflecting a vibrant city ambience," Wang added.

'Well-prepared'

One of the highest-level marathon events in China and certified by the International Association of Athletics Federations, the Beijing marathon has been held annually since 1981, and has become a symbolic event for marathon enthusiasts. However, it was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to concerns over the potential spread of COVID-19, media reported.

 "Under China's effective COVID-19 control and prevention measures, the Beijing Marathon shows that other sports events, especially public sports events can be held," Yao Yiwei, a Chinese sports commentator told the Global Times on Sunday. "Such events have a symbolic meaning to encourage the public, in the name of sports."

Precautions were taken during the event, with participants being requested to provide records of COVID-19 vaccine and booster shots, and being asked to stay in Beijing for at least seven days before entering the marathon. A valid 24-hour nucleic acid test was also required prior to entering the course, media said.

Many Chinese internet users also showed their support for the big event.

 "I'm so glad to see that it [the Beijing Marathon] was held as scheduled. It's a good start and an encouraging sign for the Chinese society. Hope everyone had a good run," one netizen wrote on China's Twitter-like Sina Weibo.

"As long as anti-COVID-19 measures have been taken in advance and the event is well-prepared, we can host such big sports galas smoothly and successfully," said another.