At 7:30 a.m. on November 9, the starting gun fired, marking the energetic opening of the 2025 Beijing Tongzhou Canal Half Marathon on Sikong Fenshu Street in the Canal Business District of the BMC. A total of 12,969 runners successfully completed the race. After an intense competition, Chinese runner Sun Xiaoyang claimed the men’s championship with a time of 1:05:17, setting a new course record, while Chinese runner Liu Wenqing took the women’s title in 1:15:13.
Record-Breaking Participation
This year’s event attracted nearly 50,000 applicants, the highest number in its history.
Through a lottery system, 15,000 participants were selected, representing China, Germany, Singapore, Sweden, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States, Venezuela, and other countries. The oldest runner was 77, and the youngest was 18, reflecting the event’s wide inclusivity and global appeal.
The race brought together 87 running clubs, including JD Running Club, Beijing Double Olympic Runners, Tsinghua 85 Running Club, RUC Marathon Team, Beijing Physicians’ Running Club, and Tongzhou Long-Distance Runners Association, who participated in the Elite Running Club Leaderboard Challenge. These running groups not only elevated the event’s competitive atmosphere but also embodied the spirit of unity, collaboration, and mutual support throughout the course.
Green and Sustainable — A Marathon of Environmental Consciousness
The Organizing Committee fully integrated the concept of “green and low-carbon” into every aspect of the event — from paperless operations and waste sorting to resource recycling and green transportation initiatives. Before the race, the Committee invited influencers and running clubs to join the “Green Marathon Initiative,” encouraging participants to turn sustainability into action.
This commitment to eco-friendly event organization not only set a new benchmark for sustainable sports events but also served as a vivid display of civic engagement and environmental responsibility in the BMC.
Comprehensive Services Enhance the Race Experience
Placing the principles of “safety and excellence” at the forefront, the Organizing Committee meticulously refined every detail of the race based on previous experience, ensuring a world-class competition and exceptional runner experience.
The Athletic Association of Beijing dispatched race supervisors and referees, totaling 122 officials, to ensure professional adjudication and fairness. For operations and safety, 1,200 security personnel and over 1,560 volunteers were mobilized — all of whom underwent systematic pre-race training.
In terms of medical services, the Committee collaborated closely with the Beijing 120 Emergency Center, establishing 10 medical aid stations along the course, deploying 24 ambulances, training over 340 medical professionals and volunteers, and equipping the event with 60 mobile AED units. Additionally, three designated hospitals set up green emergency channels to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.
Race logistics were equally comprehensive, with seven official supply stations providing water, isotonic drinks, energy gels, bread, and bananas. Considering the post–Beginning of Winter season, the Committee thoughtfully prepared hot beverages, towels, and thermal blankets for every runner — a gesture that turned the race into a true “warm winter run.”
Jointly organized by the Tongzhou District People’s Government of Beijing Municipality and the Beijing State-Owned Assets Management Co., Ltd., and co-organized by the Beijing Tongzhou District Bureau of Sports, Beijing Beiao Group Co., Ltd., Athletic Association of Beijing, and Beijing Sports Vision Cultural Publishing Co., Ltd., the 2025 Beijing Tongzhou Canal Half Marathon is certified as an A1-level event by the Chinese Athletics Association. This year’s course layout was fully upgraded, starting from Sikong Fenshu Street, passing through the Beijing (Tongzhou) Grand Canal Cultural Scenic Area, the Canal Business District, the Three Major Cultural Landmarks of the BMC, and the Central Green Forest Park, before finishing at the Renmin University of China Tongzhou Campus. The route’s flat, open terrain and picturesque scenery provided ideal conditions for athletes to pursue personal bests, while offering an immersive journey through Tongzhou’s unique fusion of history and modernity.