The 2016 Ulanqab International Marathon concluded in the Jining District of Ulanqab, North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region, on Sept 4; and it drew over 3,000 participants from 12 foreign countries and 19 Chinese provinces.

More than 3,000 runners, from a variety of countries and regions of China, leave the starting line in Jining District, Ulanqab, on Sept 4. [Photo/northnews.cn]

The marathon was sponsored by the Chinese Athletics Association, the Sports Bureau of Inner Mongolia, and the Ulanqab government.

The series of races, amounting to a full marathon (42.2 km), a half marathon (21.1 km), and a mini marathon (5 km), attracted professional athletes and running enthusiasts from all around China; as well as foreigners from Ethiopia, Kenya, Germany and other countries.

At the same time, the Sixth People’s Jogging Event was also held on that day, showing the enthusiasm of local residents for sporting events.

The total prize money available for the marathon races was 540,000 yuan ($80,000). Athletes from Ethiopia and Kenya took all the prizes in the male and female competitions.

Athletes compete in the marathon races, in the Jining District of Ulanqab, on Sept 4. [Photo/nmgnews.com]