6,000 runners explore Zhangye city during Heihe Half Marathon

The 2025 Zhangye Heihe Half Marathon kicks off on Sept 21 in Zhangye, Gansu province. [Photo/zgzyw.com.cn]

The 2025 Zhangye Heihe Half Marathon kicked off on Sept 21 at Ganzhou Ancient City — located in Zhangye city in China's Northwest Gansu province, attracting over 6,000 participants from more than 10 countries, including Ethiopia and Pakistan, as well as runners from across China. 

The event featured two categories: a half marathon and a fun run (5 kilometers). Starting and finishing at Ganzhou Ancient City, the route passed landmarks such as the Heihe New City Bridge, Lushuiwan Ecological Wetland and Heihe Forest Park.

This allowed the participants to immerse themselves in Zhangye's unique integration of culture, ecology, sustainability and tourism throughout the 21-km challenge. More than a race, it served as a dynamic exploration of the city's identity.

Organizers emphasized that the marathon not only promoted fitness and international exchange, but also highlighted Zhangye's commitment to green and culture-led development.