Competitors jog past the Deer-shaped Sculpture, a local landmark. [Photo/WeChat account of Baotou Daily]

The 2023 Baotou Half Marathon opened at the Baotou Olympic Sports Center in Baotou city, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, on Aug 6.

Its track connected such landmarks as the Deer-shaped Sculpture, Youyi Street, and the Saikhantal Urban Grassland.

"When I come to Baotou every once in a while, I can feel the changes in the city. This event connects Baotou's landmark buildings to showcase the city's image in an all-round way," said Zhao Zhiwei, a runner participating in the event from Ordos city, Inner Mongolia.

Many competitors said they felt the vitality of the city during the race. "I particularly like the weather and urban construction in Baotou. The temperature is also suitable," said Zhang Hui, a runner from Xi'an, the capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province.

The Baotou marathon draws more runners each year. A total of 15,000 runners participated in the first edition in 2019. Meanwhile, the second edition that was held this June 23, including the half-marathon, attracted over 37,000 participants.

Winners of the men's race pose for a group photo with their awards. [Photo/WeChat account of Baotou Daily]

Winners of the women's race collect their prizes. [Photo/WeChat account of Baotou Daily]