On January 14, 2024, the first Xuwen Marathon kicked off in Xuwen, known as the "Pineapple Sea", as 5000 runners from across the country gathered at the southernmost tip of the Chinese mainland. The event allowed participants to experience the natural beauty and cultural charm of Xuwen through their strides.

Before the race, prominent figures from the sports world, including CBA champion Yi Jianlian, CBA Guangdong Southern Tigers's head coach Du Feng, gymnastics Olympic champions Li Shanshan and Yang Yilin, diving Olympic champion Xie Siyi, and local sports star and Asian Games champion Chen Mingling, offered encouragement through video messages. The president of the Finland Chamber of Commerce also recorded a video to send blessings to the event. On the race day, Beijing Olympic champion and four-time Grand Slam winner He Chong, born in Zhanjiang, was present to support and warm up the participants.

The Xuwen Marathon attracted participants from all over the country, including those from HKSAR, Macao SAR, Taiwan Province, and overseas. Particularly noteworthy was the enthusiastic participation of athletes from across the Qiongzhou Strait, symbolizing the unity of Zhanjiang and Hainan.

Xuwen, historically a hub of commerce, boasts the starting point of the Han Dynasty's maritime Silk Road at the ancient port of Xuwen. Additionally, it hosts the largest, most diverse, and well-preserved national-level shallow coral reef nature reserve on the Chinese mainland. With a reputation as the "Largest Pineapples Cultivation County in China", Xuwen has a century-long history of pineapple cultivation.

The marathon route was meticulously planned to showcase pastoral landscapes, natural wonders, cultural elements, modern technology, and optimal track conditions. The 42.195-kilometer route unfolded like a subtropical ecological agricultural painting, starting from the pineapple trading market, passing through the renowned "Pineapple Sea" and offering breathtaking views of colorful farmlands, white windmill clusters, and rainbow roads.

The event seamlessly incorporated Xuwen's beautiful landscapes and unique cultural elements. Through marathon expos, carnivals, intangible cultural heritage and folk performances, local cuisine, and thoughtful services, it highlighted the charm of Xuwen as a small city with clear water, fresh air, delicious food, hospitality, and beautiful scenery. Participants received abundant and locally distinctive race supplies, including traditional event materials, commemorative medals, and regional souvenirs.

Along the route, various cultural performances added a vibrant touch, with over 20 locations featuring intangible cultural heritage and folk displays enhancing the scenic journey for marathon participants. The warm and welcoming people of Xuwen continuously cheered for the runners, fueling their spirits and passion. At the marathon and half-marathon finish line, the organizing committee specially prepared Xuwen's signature lamb porridge, ginger tea, pineapple fried rice, and other delicacies as a treat for the participants.

Source:Yangcheng Evening News

【图集】5000名跑友用脚步丈量中国大陆最南端！

1月14日，2024首届徐闻马拉松在徐闻“菠萝的海”鸣枪起跑，来自全国各地的5000名跑者汇聚中国大陆最南端，用奔跑感受大美徐闻的自然风光和人文风情。

赛前，CBA冠军、著名篮球运动员易建联，CBA广东华南虎队主教练杜锋，体操奥运冠军李珊珊，体操奥运冠军杨依琳，跳水奥运冠军谢思埸以及来自徐闻的亚运冠军、中国女篮队员陈明伶等10位体坛明星和奥运冠军通过视频的形式为2024徐闻马拉松打CALL，芬兰商会会长录制视频为赛事送来祝福。赛事当天，出生在湛江的北京奥运会冠军、四大满贯得主何冲受邀来到现场为选手助阵，并带领选手热身起跑。

此次徐闻马拉松赛吸引了来自全国各地，包括港澳台地区，以及海外选手参赛，特别是琼州海峡对岸的选手热情参与，实现了湛江与海南“相向而行”到“相向而跑”。

作为本次马拉松赛场的徐闻，自古就是商贸重地，徐闻古港是汉代海上丝绸之路的起点；徐闻有着中国大陆架面积最大、种类最多、保护最完整的国家级浅海珊瑚礁自然保护区；徐闻还有“中国菠萝第一县”的美誉，菠萝种植历史上百年。

本次马拉松线路的规划兼顾了田园风光、自然风物、人文风情、现代科技和赛道条件，令选手获得了独特的参赛体验。全长42.195公里的徐闻马拉松赛道，犹如一幅亚热带生态农业画卷在选手面前展开，从菠萝交易市场出发，途经闻名遐迩的“菠萝的海”，七彩田园、白色风车群、彩虹公路的美景尽收眼底。

本次赛事融入徐闻美丽风光和独特文化元素，通过马拉松博览会、嘉年华、非遗/民俗表演、美食特产、贴心服务等形式，充分彰显徐闻水土好、空气好、食物好、人情好、风景美的小城魅力和温厚徐闻人的温暖力量。参赛物资、完赛物资丰厚且富具徐闻特色，除了传统赛事物资和纪念奖牌外，还有地方特色伴手礼。

赛道沿途文体表演一路助阵，从起点到终点，沿途20多处的非遗表演、民俗表演为徐闻马拉松增添了一道亮丽风景线，同时一路激发着选手的斗志和激情；赛道两侧，热情洋溢的温厚徐闻人不断地在欢呼喝彩，为选手加油鼓劲。在马拉松和半程马拉松终点，组委会还特地准备了徐闻特色的羊粥、良姜茶、菠萝炒饭等美食补给。

文｜记者 余胜容 实习生 苏文苑 通讯员 杨飞
译｜刘佳慧
图｜吴东俊 杨川