Guangxi debuts cross-border half marathon in Sino-Vietnamese tourism zone

(ECNS) — Over 3,000 runners from China and abroad gathered in Chongzuo City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on Sunday for the China-Vietnam Detian (Ban Gioc) Transnational Waterfall Cross-Border Run and 2025 Daxin Half Marathon.

The event marks Guangxi’s first cross-border marathon within China’s first internationally recognized tourism cooperation zone.

The half marathon route wove through iconic landscapes, starting at the Shuolong Border Port and passing landmarks including Detian Transnational Waterfall Scenic Area.

The course concluded within the cooperation zone, offering runners panoramic views along the 43-kilometer Sino-Vietnamese border.

Kenyan athletes claimed both titles: Eyanae Paul secured the men's title, while Kuria Mary Wangari triumphed in the women's race.

A 6-kilometer "Joy Run" variant catered to families and casual athletes.

Organizers emphasized the event's dual role as a sports spectacle and cultural bridge.

The cooperation zone, operational since October 2024, has hosted 30,000+ visitors and features cross-border folk festivals, waterway folk songs, and joint conservation projects.

(By Mo Honge)