An associate professor from Huaqiao University, won the men’s title of the first Great Hakka Marathon on Nov 15 in Nanjing county, Fujian Province.

Jasmine Tan and her husband from Malaysia took part in the fun run with their 15 months old twin sons [Photo by Liu Xiaoyu for China Daily]

Zhao Ziyu, who specializes in mechanical and electrical engineering, finished the full course in a time of 03:13:03.

Mari Kauri, a Finnish female runner hit the finishing line in 03:54:09 and claimed the women’s title of the full marathon category.

The race included a full marathon (42.195 km), half marathon (21.0975 km) and fun run (8km) attracting some 260 running enthusiasts from more than 30 countries around the world.

“We possess a rich experience in organizing 15 Great Wall Marathons in Beijing since their inception in 1999, which have attracted over 2,000 participants each time,” said Guo Feng, event director of the Great Hakka Marathon.

“We hope people from all over the world are able to access the rich and diverse Hakka culture of China as well as enjoy the fun of running,” Guo added.

Nanjing county, regarded as one of the most iconic tourism attractions in China, is famous for its well-preserved Tulou, or Hakka earth dwellings which were built around 700 years ago by immigrants from the central plains of ancient China. With its typical circular or square structure, the Nanjing Hakka Tulou was selected as a world cultural heritage at the UNESCO conference in 2008.

Great efforts have been made by the organizing community over the past four months. Dave Cundy, the vice president and technical director of IAAF-AIMS Measurement Administrator, Asia and Oceania, was invited to make sure the running course was up to international standards.

“I had never heard about this place until I was asked to get involved with this marathon. I absolutely love the beautiful landscapes and the unique Hakka houses. The course will take the runners to so many unique and interesting areas, up and down along the mountain path, and they will have a fabulous experience enjoying the day,” said Cundy.

Su Rong-Tong, a 57 year-old marathon addict from Taiwan’s Keelung, said distance races have become a massive trend in Taiwan. “It is not only a good opportunity to enjoy a great run, but also to communicate and make friends with people across the Straits.”

By Liu Xiaoyu in China Daily Fujian Bureau