It's all smiles as the champion of the men's full marathon crosses the finishing line. [Photo/Baotou Daily]

The champion of the women's full marathon cruises home to victory. [Photo/Baotou Daily]

The loud report of the starting gun signaled the start of the Baotou Marathon on June 23, with 30,000 runners participating from 10 countries – including Britain, France and Finland – as well as from provinces and cities across the country.

The marathon track – in Baotou city, in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region – passed the Labor Park, the Baogang Group corporate offices and other important landmark buildings and large companies in Baotou.

The biggest highlight of the track was the 10-kilometer fitness trail around the Saikhantal Urban Grassland.

At the finish, a Chinese runner from Qinghai province won the men's marathon in 2:16:58. In his wake, China's Yin Shunjin and Denis Mugendi Kiura from Kenya finished second and third, respectively.

Elsewhere, Chinese athletes swept to victory, taking the top three places in the women's full marathon and half-marathon. Yang Hua from Guizhou province won the women's full marathon in 2:48:24.

Wang Zikong of Gansu province in China won the men's half-marathon in 1:8:59.

"The track is very good, especially the Saikhantal Urban Grassland, which is very suitable for running," he said in an interview.

Overseas competitors were also full of praise for the event and its facilities.

"I like the city of Baotou very much; the air is very fresh and the facilities and security of the competition are complete," said a contestant from France.

"Everyone is enthusiastic. After the event, we are ready to go to the grasslands in the city with friends".

The staging of the event aimed to promote national fitness and the deep integration of sports, culture and tourism. Moving forwards, plans are for Baotou to host a series of marathons from August to November.