On the morning of December 28, the 2025 Huizhou Marathon got underway at Huizhou Stadium in South China's Guangdong Province, attracting 13,000 runners to the national historical and cultural city. As they ran through the city's streets, participants experienced firsthand the ease and openness once praised by the Song-dynasty poet Su Dongpo, who wrote, "I would gladly live as a southerner forever."
The Huizhou Marathon kicks off.
Certified by the Chinese Athletics Association and hosted by the Huizhou Municipal People's Government, the race featured full and half-marathon events. Starting from Huizhou Stadium, runners passed landmarks such as Echeng Bridge, Chaojing Gate, Huizhou West Lake, Hejiang Tower, Shuidong Street and Dongpo Shrine, taking in the city's scenic landscape celebrated in Su Dongpo's poetry.
Runners pass Echeng Bridge.
After a closely contested race, Chen Huawei of Huizhou, Guangdong, and Wei Jieting of Foshan, Guangdong, won the men's and women's full marathon titles, respectively. Yelas Hailati from Ili, Xinjiang, and Chen Liqin of Qingyuan, Guangdong, claimed the men's and women's half-marathon championships.
Chen Huawei wins the men's full marathon.
Defending his title on home soil and setting a new course record, Chen secured a hard-fought victory. The 1996-born runner, regarded by fellow athletes as one of Guangdong's leading distance runners, crossed the finish line in 2 hours and 18 minutes, overcome with emotion.
In a post-race interview, Chen said his form had been less than ideal in the two weeks leading up to the race. "I struggled to find my rhythm, and my cardiopulmonary condition wasn't at its best. I even considered withdrawing," he said. "But racing at home gave me extra motivation. Despite the physical discomfort, the cheers from residents along the course kept me going. I pushed myself to the limit and finished with no regrets."
The bustling scene of the Huizhou Marathon
Runners high-five spectators for encouragement
The marathon was embraced citywide with enthusiasm and creativity. More than 42 cultural performance and cheering zones lined the course, while nearly 60 themed supply stations were voluntarily set up by residents, running clubs and local businesses. A dedicated "family stand" at the finish line gave runners' loved ones a front-row view of the final sprint, reflecting the distinctive warmth of the Huizhou Marathon.
Reporter | Mi Zhaoxia
Photo | Wang Changhui, Huizhou Marathon Organizing Committee
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James Campion, Shen He
