The 2024 Taizhou Marathon kicks off in Huangyan district, Taizhou. [Photo/Tide News]

The 2024 Taizhou Marathon kicked off in Huangyan district, Taizhou, Zhejiang province, on Dec 2. Runners from all over the world gathered in Taizhou to experience the charm of the city as they raced toward the finish line.

This year's event featured a marathon, a half-marathon, and a 5-kilometer-run. It attracted participants from 12 countries and regions, including Kenya, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, South Korea, Malaysia, and India.

The route of this year's event was optimized and improved from last year, with a 42.20-kilometer course that connects several city landmarks such as Jiufeng Park and Weiyu Mountain, providing runners with an excellent race experience.

"To improve the quality of the event's services, we have recruited over 1,400 young volunteers, set up 25 medical aid stations, and invited 69 doctor volunteers to participate in the race," said an official from Huangyan.

This year marks the 8th edition of the Taizhou Marathon. During the event, special cultural performances and fairs provided both participants and residents with an opportunity to appreciate Taizhou's unique urban landscape and cultural charm through food, entertainment, and cultural experiences.