Reaching new heights, chasing dreams in colorful Yunnan

In July 2016, Kunming was officially chosen as the host city for the SCO Marathon. With unanimous support from member states, strong backing from the Chinese Athletics Association, the governments of Yunnan province and Kunming city, the active involvement of local institutions, and the meticulous planning of the event's organizing company, the first race was launched just five months later.

On Dec 17, the starting gun fired at the Yunnan Haigeng Auditorium on the shores of Dianchi Lake, marking the beginning of the world's first marathon named after an international organization. Over 16,000 participants from 25 countries raced through the "Spring City" to cheering crowds, while spectators sang and danced, filling Kunming with an atmosphere of excitement.

Runners of all levels took to the running course: full and half marathoners competed alongside participants in the 10 km, 5 km mini run, and 1 km family fun run. Among the most moving sights were visually impaired runners guided by service dogs, athletes in wheelchairs racing alongside others, and a 29-member family team spanning four generations. A newlywed couple even celebrated their wedding day by joining the race, choosing to begin their life together with a joyful run, holding hands.

As the starter pistol echoed, the event commentator rallied the crowd in both Chinese and English, stirring excitement as thousands of runners in sports shirts of different hues surged forward like a rainbow. The sight was nothing short of spectacular. Overhead, tens of thousands of red-billed gulls which are migrants from Siberia, swooped through the blue sky, seemingly energized by the electric atmosphere of the moment. They soared alongside helicopters broadcasting the race live, completing a breathtaking scene where nature and humanity moved in perfect harmony.