As the first rays of sunlight bathed the city’s skyline in a warm golden glow, cheers filled the air, energizing the crowds gathered in downtown Ningbo, in east China’s Zhejiang Province. At precisely 7 a.m. on March 23, a wave of runners surged forward from the starting line at Yangguang Square, marking the beginning of the 2025 Ningbo Marathon. More than just a race, this marathon offered 20,000 participants a chance to immerse themselves in the city’s scenery, story, and soul, one stride at a time.

For a decade, the Ningbo Marathon has grown in both scale and stature. This year, in a significant milestone, the race earned its official A1 certification from the Chinese Athletics Association, a distinction that reflects its increasing prominence. Participants hailed from all 34 provincial-level divisions of China, as well as nine countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States, Kenya, Ethiopia, Sweden, and South Africa. The race drew professional athletes and first-time marathoners alike, each eager to take on the challenge of the newly designed course.

Ningbo, a city known as a gateway to China’s global trade, has long been a crucible for champions. Here, Olympic athletes and manufacturing giants share a common thread—an unyielding pursuit of excellence. As the runners pounded the pavement, their determination echoed the city’s reputation as “the City of Champion".

1

A Course That Bridges Past and Future

In celebration of its tenth anniversary, the marathon unveiled a redesigned route that seamlessly blended Ningbo’s rich history with its modern transformation. For the very first time, the Ningbo Marathon kicked off in the city’s vibrant Sanjiangkou area. Runners departed from the heart of the city, passing iconic landmarks such as the Drum Tower and Tianyige Museum, before racing past the shimmering skyscrapers of Eastern New Town. The race concluded along the tranquil shores of Dongqian Lake, where the gentle ripples of the water offered a welcome moment of respite for exhausted finishers.

For many, the course was as much an experience as the run itself. “It’s a symphony of past and present,” said one participant, marveling at how the route transitioned from ancient streets to futuristic urban expanses.

Among the thousands of runners was Yulia, a former Australian Open professional from Russia who has called Ningbo home for nine years. Competing in the half-marathon, she reflected on how the city had evolved.

“This is my third race, and I’m happy that I finished it!” she said. “For me, a marathon isn’t about winning—it’s about what you gain along the way. Through sports, I've made many friends, and I've watched Ningbo become greener, with more spaces for exercise. It's truly inspiring.”

2

Champions Emerge on a Global Stage

At approximately 9 a.m., after just over two hours of intense competition, the first champion crossed the finish line. Vincent Kipsegechi Yator of Kenya clocked in at 2 hours, 16 minutes, and 19 seconds to claim the men’s title, followed closely by his compatriot Daniel Irungu Waweru, who finished in 2 hours, 17 minutes, and 7 seconds. The third spot on the podium went to China’s Wu Ziqi, a 21-year-old runner from Taizhou, Zhejiang, who completed the course in 2 hours and 29 minutes.

In the women’s category, another Kenyan runner, Kezzia Wanjiku Ngugi, secured victory with a time of 2 hours, 40 minutes, and 19 seconds. Lydia Cheruto, also from Kenya, finished second at 2 hours, 56 minutes, and 59 seconds, while China’s Yang Feifei completed the podium with a time of 2 hours, 58 minutes, and 7 seconds.

Yator had entered the race with a singular goal: victory. “My goal is to be number one, to be the champion,” he had declared before the marathon. And on the smooth, fast course of Ningbo, he delivered. “The route was incredibly flat, the crowds were welcoming, and the city is beautiful,” he said after his win, beaming with satisfaction.

For Wu Ziqi, this marathon was a full-circle moment. “I ran the half-marathon in Ningbo last year,” he said. “This time, I came back for the full distance.” He found the first half of the course favorable for setting a personal best, but the second half proved more challenging. “There were some uphill sections, and the heat started to set in,” he admitted. “But the scenery along Dongqian Lake made it all worth it.”

3

A Marathon

Without Limits

Beyond the competition, the marathon served as a testament to inclusivity, exemplified by the presence of a visually impaired running team from Shanghai’s Run for Light Sports Camp. These athletes, tethered to their guides by a single rope, demonstrated a rare and profound partnership—one built on trust, resilience, and an unshakable belief in possibilities.

One of their new guides, Yu Dehai, embodies this spirit of dedication. A 55-year-old veteran marathoner from Ningbo, Yu has participated in the city’s race four times, serving as both an official pacer and an emergency response runner. When he learned that the visually impaired team would be competing, he volunteered as a guide without hesitation.

“I’ve been running marathons for over a decade, but nothing compares to guiding a visually impaired athlete,” Yu said. “It’s a role that demands everything—setting the pace, ensuring safety, providing water, and above all, offering unwavering support.”

Yu is no stranger to this responsibility. As the leader of the Beijing He Yajun Blind Running Volunteer Team, he has served as a guide for over 40 marathons, 24 of them full-distance races. Yet, to him, there is something special about running in his hometown. “Ningbo’s marathon holds a special place in my heart,” he said. “This year, returning home and running alongside an athlete who puts complete trust in me—it’s a privilege. It’s what I call ‘a journey of shared purpose.’”

As the race unfolded, spectators caught glimpses of the visually impaired athletes running in tandem with their guides, their bonds symbolized by a thin but unbreakable tether. Each step forward was a statement—that the power of sport transcends barriers, that determination knows no limitations, and that in the heart of a city, a marathon can be more than a race. It can be a celebration of endurance, connection, and the humanity spirit.

As the sun rose higher over Ningbo, thousands of runners continued pushing forward, some sprinting toward personal bests, others simply reveling in the moment. But for all who participated, the journey was as significant as the finish line. In Ningbo, a city that thrives on ambition and progress, the marathon was not just a test of speed or stamina. It was a reflection of a community—one that moves forward together, stride by stride.

By Gong Xuqi, Zhang Xinrui, Pan Wenjie