Chinese runners win China-Myanmar cross-border marathon

Chinese runners swept the titles in both men's and women's events at a cross-border marathon between China and Myanmar held on Dec. 31 in southwest China's Yunnan Province.

The 2019 Ruili China and Muse Myanmar Cross-Border Marathon, held in Yunnan's border city of Ruili, attracted nearly 10,000 participants from more than 30 countries including China, Myanmar, Kenya and Germany, with the course winding its way across the border with Myanmar and back again.

Chinese marathoner Zhou Bo won the men's full marathon race in 2:20:07, smashing the competition's record, while his compatriot Yue Qinghua triumphed in the women's category in 3:05:57.

Beginning in Ruili's Nongmo lake park, the marathon covered 12.3 km in the Myanmar city of Muse before recrossing the border back to Ruili.

Zhou said after the competition that he was warmly welcomed by the Myanmar audience when running in Muse, and the cross-border marathon provided a platform for the people of China and Myanmar to deepen their friendship.

Beside full marathon, this year's event also features half-marathon, short-distance fun run and parent-child run, according to the organizing committee.

Inaugurated in 2017 and held on the last day of each year, the China-Myanmar cross-border marathon has been regarded by many participants as a New Year's Eve carnival.

Editor: John Li