1,600 runners compete for direct quota for the 2024 Changsha Marathon

On October 13, the 2024 Changsha Marathon Series kicked off with the Dongshan Bay 10K event, gathering 1,600 participants at the Muzitang Park in the Yuelu High-tech District. This exhilarating race invited runners to embark on a journey themed “Enjoy Running, Vibrant New City.”

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Changsha Marathon. As the first major sports event in the Dongshan Bay International New City area, the 2024 Changsha Marathon Series’ Dongshan Bay 10K has attracted many running enthusiasts.

The purpose of the event is to promote health and active living through running, providing a platform for runners to showcase their skills and challenge themselves, ultimately fostering a culture of fitness within the community.

The competition featured separate 10K races for men and women, with the course designed to include four water stations, medical assistance points, and three energy supply zones to ensure participants’ safety and hydration. The top 20 finishers in both categories received cash prizes, trophies, and medals, while the top five in each category earned guaranteed spots in the 2024 Changsha Marathon.

As the starting gun fired, the runners took off like arrows from the bow, following the meticulously planned route that passed breathtaking landmarks such as Muzitang Park, Jinmao Changsha International Community, and Changjun Meixi Lake Smart Valley School.

For the inaugural Dongshan Bay 10K event, the organizing committee put considerable effort into the medal design. The front of the medal showcases iconic landmarks from various districts in Changsha, including the historical Taiping Old Street and Tianxin Pavilion, as well as modern developments like the Meixi Lake Cultural and Arts Center and the Dongshan Bay International New City. Additionally, it features the Changsha Railway Station, which carries the city’s stories, and the Changsha Hè Lóng Sports Center, a symbol of local athletics.

As a vital part of the Xiangjiang New Area, the Yuelu High-tech District and Dongshan Bay International New City have seen significant progress in industries, education, healthcare, commerce, and residential living in recent years. The region focuses on artificial intelligence and testing and inspection as its core industries, attracting high-tech companies and talented professionals. Furthermore, ongoing projects to develop smart hospitals and campuses reflect a commitment to intelligent management and personalized public services, greatly enhancing the quality of life for residents.

This event was guided by the Changsha Sports Bureau and the Hunan Xiangjiang New Area Management Committee’s Publicity Department, and organized by the Yuelu High-tech District Management Committee.