With plenty more to offer than just a challenging race, the 2023 Miyun Eco Marathon proved a hit over the weekend with participants enjoying the experience on and off the course.

Coming out of the pandemic's shadow over the past three years, the 2023 Miyun Eco Marathon witnessed a burst in demand for outdoor running and exercise on Sunday in its first edition since officially being recognized by the international governing body World Athletics as a labeled road race in January.

The return of the race to the picturesque waterfront route along the Chaohe River in north Beijing's Miyun district from last year's online version due to the pandemic attracted 10,000 runners to take part in three lengths of races – the 42.195km full marathon, 21km half marathon and the 4.2km mini run.

Boasting exceptional pace and endurance, Kenyan runners swept the top-three finishes to dominate the 3,000-runner men's full marathon. Kiprotich Kirui broke previous race record after crossing the finishing line first in two hours, 15 minutes and 27 seconds, followed by his compatriot Kennedy Kwemoinaibei and Shadrack Kipkogey, who finished three and seven seconds later, respectively.

The women's race also witnessed a new record of 2:35:43 set by Ethiopian winner Zeritu Shawel Tadese. Her fellow countrywoman Mekkonen Serkalem Mengiste finished second in 2:36:55, 36 seconds ahead of third-place finisher Caroline Jeruto Chesir of Kenya.

Despite lagging far behind the leading contingent of professionals, the majority of amateurs, soaked in sweat yet beaming with vigor, enjoyed a fun run along the lush river bank in fresh air.

To guarantee the safety of every runner, the organizing committee had deployed 23 medical stations, 70 sets of AED and 28 ambulances along the route, with 738 health care workers and first-aid volunteers standing by to offer immediate help when necessary.

"I signed up for the race right after the online registration began and it proved to be a totally worthwhile experience to run this marathon," said Cai Jianhua, a 46-year-old running enthusiast who finished the men's half marathon in 1:36:28.

"The pleasant natural environment in Miyun was a big selling point of this race. It's really nice to enjoy a relaxing weekend with my family in the city suburbs."

Building on the momentum of the race, the district government of Miyun is committed to developing a sports and tourism destination around the race with more diversified offerings, such as cross-country run, hiking, mountain cycling, skiing and snowboarding in winter, available in near future.