Mikessa Guta Alemu from Ethiopia and Josphine Wambui Wanjiku from Kenya dominated the 2019 Guangxi Pingnan International Half Marathon on Jan 13, clocking one hour five minutes, and one hour 16 minutes, respectively.

Both of them received the 6,000-yuan ($887) winner's check. Second place runners were granted 4,000 yuan and third place runners were granted 3,000 yuan.

The race, as the last event of the "Running·Guangxi" Ecological Marathon Series, featured tens of thousands of runners from across the country, as well as over 30 foreign runners from France, Russia, Ethiopia and Kenya.

Runners wait at the start line in Jiangbei Park. [Photo/gx.people.cn]

In addition to the 21-kilometer half marathon, a health run, a family run, a Party member demonstration run and a relay race were also held to attract more participants. 

The event, recognized by the Chinese Athletic Association as an A-list competition, is a result of the ongoing effort to promote fitness for all and all-for-one-tourism.

It was sponsored by the Chinese Athletic Association, the Guangxi Broadcasting Station and the Guigang government, along with Guangxi's Department of Sports, Department of Culture and Tourism, Ethnic and Religious Affairs Commission, Poverty Alleviation and Development Office.

Runners compete in the 2019 Guangxi Pingnan International Half Marathon on Jan 13. [Photo/gx.people.cn]

The top three runners of the men's half marathon receive their awards. [Photo/gx.people.cn]