Competitors of the Liupanshui marathon must have enjoyed a comfortable race in the city in southwest China known for its cool summer days.

With an average of around 20 Celsius degrees in high summer, the city in Guizhou province hopes to promote itself through popular marathon races.

On Sunday, the 2024 Liupanshui Marathon attracted more than 30,000 runners from around the world.

Deribe Robi Melka from Ethiopia participated in the marathon for the first time and expressed his excitement and anticipation. "Running on the track, you can not only enjoy the summer city scenery but also feel the enthusiastic audience and strong marathon atmosphere," he said.

Soud Kanbouchia from Morocco, who won second place in the women's full marathon, experienced the slope track in Liupanshui for the first time and found it challenging. She mentioned that she plans to return to China later this year to explore more cities.

Edwin Kipngetich Koech from Kenya shared his enthusiasm for participating in marathons in China.

"I was deeply impressed when I participated in a Chinese marathon for the first time. So far, I have participated in nearly Chinese marathons," he said.

The vibrant sports atmosphere in Guizhou convinced him to change his schedule and stay to participate in the marathon. "Both the race organization and the scenery are excellent, and people are warm and friendly," he said.

"If you fall in love with long-distance running, this love will never stop," Koech said. "I will return to China at the end of the year and hope more Kenyan athletes will experience the charm of marathons in China."

As one of the major international sports events in Guizhou Province, the Liupanshui Marathon has been held eight times since its inception in 2013.