2024 China-ASEAN Marathon in Guangxi combines sport with scenic beauty

The 2024 China-ASEAN Marathon took place in the port city of Fangchenggang in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Sunday, attracting over 20,000 participants who ran along the picturesque coastal route.

This year's event featured four categories: full marathon, half marathon, fitness run, and fun run. All races started at the Beibu Gulf Marine Culture Park, with runners traversing stunning seaside landscapes and iconic landmarks, including the Fangchenggang Wetland Park and the Egret Park.

The route offered participants a unique opportunity to experience the city's eco-friendly bay scenery.

The event drew many high-caliber athletes from both China and abroad. After over two hours of intense competition, Kenya's Elijan Kipkosgei emerged as the men's full marathon champion, finishing in two hours, 16 minutes, and 25 seconds. The women's full marathon title was claimed by Kenya's Lydia Cheptoo, with a time of two hours, 45 minutes, and 53 seconds.

The men's and women's half marathon victories went to Ethiopia's Minda Tamrat Ayalew and Vietnam's Doan Thu Hang, respectively. "This is the first time for me to participate in the event, and Chinese friends invited us from Vietnam's Quang Ninh province here. I am very happy and excited," said Doan.

"This is my second time to watch the China-ASEAN Marathon. Compared to last year, the atmosphere this year is more heated, and the whole schedule is more intense and exciting. I took some pretty impressive photos which encouraged me and I'm planning to participate in next year's edition," said a spectator named Wu Jun.

The China-ASEAN Marathon has been held successfully for four times since 2017 and is renowned for its unique and scenic course. It is hailed by the China Athletics Association for having the "Most Beautiful Track".

This year, officials from the consulates of six ASEAN countries in Nanning, Guangxi's capital city, were invited to attend the opening ceremony of the event and participate in the races.

Thailand's caretaker Prime Minister and Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul announced on Sunday that the Bhumjaithai Party had won Thailand's House of Representatives election.

With more than 87 percent of ballots counted by the country's Election Commission, the Bhumjaithai Party was leading the vote, followed by the People's Party and the Pheu Thai Party in third.

Speaking earlier, People's Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut said his party accepted the results so far and was prepared to serve as the opposition if Bhumjaithai succeeds in forming a government.

About 50 million eligible voters cast ballots on Sunday to elect all 500 members of the lower house. A simple majority of 251 seats is required to elect a prime minister and form a new government.