Shenyang – September 10, 2026 -- The Shengjing Bank Shenyang Marathon 2026 kicked off Sunday morning, drawing around 22,000 running enthusiasts from China and abroad to the northeastern Chinese city.
Full and half marathon fields split evenly across distances
The full marathon drew 10,000 runners while the half marathon attracted 12,000, with both races starting from the Shenyang Olympic Sports Center early on September 6.
Kenyan and Ethiopian runners top the full marathon podium
A Kenyan runner won the men's full marathon title, while an Ethiopian runner claimed the women's crown. In the half marathon, Chinese runners Zhang Xiaorui and Zhao Na won the men's and women's titles respectively.
Thirty certified first-aid runners support vulnerable participants
Organizers deployed 30 first-aid-certified runners to accompany elderly participants, visually impaired runners and wheelchair athletes throughout the course, a move meant to highlight inclusion alongside competition.
Local dialect slogans and folk dances lined the racing route
Northeastern Chinese dialect slogans, including phrases like "Laotie never gives up," appeared at milestones along the course to encourage runners. Trackside cheering teams performed heavy industry-themed dances and Yangge folk dances, creating what organizers described as a citywide cheering atmosphere.
A 100-meter cheering corridor formed on a bridge over the Hun River
Among several cheering sites, a 100-meter-long stretch on a local bridge crossing the Hun River drew large crowds of citizens who gathered to support runners passing through.
Runners received free access to major Shenyang attractions
Every participant was given a local "cultural tourism passport," allowing them to visit a dozen popular attractions in the city. From September 5 to 11, runners could enter the Shenyang Imperial Palace, Zhang Xueliang's Former Residence Museum, and the Shenyang Financial Museum free of charge.