Kunming launches international half-marathon

The 2017 Kunming Plateau International Half-marathon kicked off in Kunming, Yunnan province, on Sept 10, attracting more than 11,000 professional and amateur runners to compete in the "spring city". 

Since its establishment in 2012, the event has been ranked 39th among the 2016 China Top 100 Most Influential Marathon Events List, becoming a cultural image for Yunnan. 

Starting from the Yunnan Provincial Museum, the race was divided into three competitive categories—men's 8km, women's 8km and family running. 

Kotut Jackson Kipkoech from Kenya won first place of men's 8km with time of 01:06:24, while Zhang Deshun from Yunnan province, grabbed the women's 8km gold with a time of 01:16:44. 

"The running conditions in Kunming are becoming better. It is a city with a cozy environment and friendly people, which has attracted us to come here several times," said Fang Xing, a competitor from a running club in Guizhou province. 

In addition to being the first stop of the 2017 China Marathon Premier League, the race also happened to be held on Teachers' Day, which saw a running group comprised of 50 awarded teachers to take part. 

The 2017 Kunming Plateau International Half-marathon kicks off in Kunming, Yunnan province, on Sept 10. [Photo by Pan Yue/xinhuanet.com]

A competitor wears an inflatable dragon during in the race. [Photo by Pan Yue/xinhuanet.com]

An arts show is held during the opening of the 2017 Kunming Plateau International Half-marathon. [Photo by Pan Yue/xinhuanet.com]