“Run towards the Future Strive for Our Success”; 2024 Fuyang Marathon Kicks Off; Liu Yujie Delivers the Speech. Zhen Guodong, Hu Mingwen, etc. Witness Starting Gun Fired

On the morning of April 21, 2024 Fuyang Marathon started at the sound of a bang. More than 14,000 runners from 26 provinces across the country gathered in this joyful event and are welcomed by blooming roses along the marathon course. Liu Yujie, Secretary of Fuyang Municipal Committee of the CPC, delivered a speech before the starting gun was fired. Attendees include Zhen Guodong, Vice President of Chinese Athletics Association, Hu Mingwen, Deputy Secretary of Fuyang Municipal Committee of the CPC and Mayor of Fuyang, and municipal leaders Li Zhiwei, Li Jun, Zhang Shaowei, Wang Bo, Bai Xiaoyun, Lv Guoping, Zhang Junjie, Zhang Yongping, Zhang Xiaodong, Yang Shanhong, as well as Zhang Wei, Head of Mass Sports Department, Anhui Provincial Sports Bureau, etc. Olympic Champion Deng Linlin, Archery World Champion Gu Xuesong, UFC signed boxer, Zhang Mingyang, a native of Fuyang, enthusiastically led the race. Liu Yujie, Hu Mingwen and other municipal leaders participated in the Fun Run (5K race).

Liu Yujie extended a heartfelt welcome to all runners and guests, and offered profound gratitude to people from all walks of life for their care about and support for Fuyang’s growth on behalf of the municipal Party committee, the government, and over ten million hospitable locals. Liu Yujie stated, “Sports make our life more fantastic, just like dreams make our city more fabulous. Fuyang boasts a long history with rich cultural heritage. This city has been famous for thousands of years. It is the hometown of Guan Zhong, Prime Minister (in the Spring and Autumn Period) on the scroll of fame, and millions of citizens. Noteworthy, this picturesque city has its own West Lake, which once could rival the one in Hangzhou. The waterside metropolis has a lot to offer with a lingering charm. Besides, this vibrant and vigorous city is ranked as one of ‘China’s Top 100 Cities’ in terms of comprehensive economic strength and high-quality development, and honored as National Civilized City. Fuyang has a great potential and promising future. It is taking a lead in northern Anhui to build ‘Three Highlands and One Area’ and ‘Ten Regional Major Cities’ for high-quality development in the new era. Let us strive together! Run towards the future, and strive for our success!”

At 7:30 a.m., the leaders and guests witnessed the firing of the starting gun for the event. More than 14,000 runners dashed out from the starting line one after another. Their vigor, swiftness and the spirit of embracing challenges and pushing the limit attracted a large number of citizens to cheer for them. The cheers and applause along the course displayed their enthusiasm for sports and lighted up the entire city. The runners formed a vibrant scene in Fuyang.

It is reported that this marathon is held according to the standard of A1-class Race of Chinese Athletics Association. It is technically certified by the Chinese Athletics Association, and hosted by the Anhui Provincial Sports Bureau and the Fuyang Municipal People’s Government, with the three events marathon, half-marathon, and Fun Run (5K races). The starting point of the marathon is next to Fuyang Planning and Exhibition Hall, passing by Shuangqingwan Park, Fuyang Innovation Center, Fuyang Grand Theater, Fuyang Library, Fuyang Museum, Yingzhou West Lake, and other urban landmarks and historical and cultural scenic spots. The course integrates elements of flowers and water, goes through urban and rural areas, shows the city’s history as well as its modernity. The runners said that the organizer has created a beautiful race environment and provided high-quality services. The course is even and open with blooming flowers along the way. They have had fun and received nice services provided by hospitable citizens while knowing more about Fuyang’s long history and culture, feeling the unique charm of urban construction, and experiencing the booming development of Fuyang, the leading city in northern Anhui.

After intense competition, the runners from Anhui, Xu Le and Yao Yuzhou, won the men’s and women’s marathon gold medals respectively. Meanwhile, An Zhen from Shandong, Kthome Dorcas Nzembi from Kenya, respectively won the men’s and women’s half-marathon championships.