24000 runners take their mark for 2018 Wuhan Marathon

　　The start line of the 2018 Wuhan Marathon

　　The 2018 Wuhan Marathon kicked off at 7:30, April 15, 2018. Some 24,000 runners from China and abroad participated in the event. 

　　With an increasing international popularity, the number of applications, total participants and foreign runners hit a record high this year. According to the Wuhan Marathon Organizing Committee, a total of 136,311 people signed up for this year’s entry drawing and 24,000 lucky runners landed a spot on the start line of the 2018 Wuhan Marathon. Among them, there were 711 foreign runners from 29 countries including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and Australia, a figure far surpassing the 467 people in 2017.

　　24,000 runners taking their mark 

　　The Wuhan Marathon has built a stellar reputation after the successful hosting of the previous two races. Its official status has been elevated from a bronze-medal event by the Chinese Athletic Association to a gold-medal event, earning it prestige as one of the four Grand Slams of marathon-running in China.and has become the four Grand Slams of China Marathon.

　　Morocco's Boudad Zakaria successfully defended his title this year in the Wuhan Marathon. Li Zicheng finished as the top Chinese marathoner and third overall in the race, running 2 hours, 15 minutes, 40 seconds. He currently ranks first in the China Marathon Grand Slam Championship and has locked in the Grand Slam championship in advance.

　　Hood from Ethiopia (second from left)

　　Meanwhile, Hood of Ethiopia was the first woman to cross the finish line, clocking in at 2 hours, 28 minutes and 35 seconds. China’s own Li Dan sped to the finish line as the runner-up in in 2 hours, 30 minutes and 20 seconds. In an interview after the race, the Ethiopian champion said that she was in great condition throughout the race. She also expressed her delight at the enthusiasm of the Chinese public. （Kevin）