Shenyang – September 11, 2026 -- About 22,000 runners from China and abroad took to the streets of Shenyang, capital of Liaoning province in northeast China, for the 2026 Shenyang Marathon, organized by Shengjing Bank Shenyang.
The race, held on the morning of September 6, started from the Shenyang Olympic Sports Center and split into two distances: 10,000 runners tackled the full marathon while 12,000 competed in the half marathon.
A Kenyan runner topped the men's full marathon field
An Ethiopian runner won the women's full marathon title. In the half marathon, Chinese runners Zhang Xiaorui and Zhao Na took the men's and women's titles respectively.
Thirty certified first-aid runners paced vulnerable participants
Organizers deployed 30 runners holding first-aid credentials to accompany older competitors, visually impaired runners and wheelchair athletes throughout the course.
Dialect slogans lined the route to keep runners motivated
Signs written in northeastern Chinese dialect, including phrases like "Laotie never gives up," appeared at various points along the course. Local "Laotie cheering squads" staged heavy-industry-themed dance performances and traditional Yangge folk dances to energize runners.
A 100-meter cheering corridor formed on a bridge over the Hun River
Crowds gathered on the bridge to cheer runners through one of the course's most spirited stretches.
Runners received a cultural tourism passport for the city
Every participant was given a passport granting access to roughly a dozen tourist sites in Shenyang. From September 5 to 11, entry is free at the Shenyang Imperial Palace, the former residence museum of Zhang Xueliang, and the Shenyang Financial Museum.