SANYA, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- The 2025 Hainan (Sanya) Marathon began on Sunday, drawing more than 14,000 participants from 19 countries and regions, including China, Malaysia, Russia, Canada and the United States.
More than 50 overseas runners and guests benefited from Hainan's visa-free policy for visitors from 86 nations and its expanding international flight network.
"It's my first full marathon," said American runner Chad Ray Skidmore. "I came here because it shouldn't be too difficult, and the air quality is good. Sanya is a good place."
"Hainan is building a year-round calendar of high-quality sporting events that attract global attention," said Wu Fan, an official from Hainan's provincial department of tourism, culture, radio, television and sports.
China's Zhao Guohu won the men's division in the Sanya Marathon with a time of 2:23:21. In the women's event, China's Yang Yuan reached the top of the podium, clocking 2:50:11.
The Sanya marathon, now a Chinese Athletics Association A certified race, is one of Hainan's five major sporting events. "Its growth demonstrates our commitment to integrating culture, sports and tourism to enhance international influence," Wu said. "The successful marathon helps build momentum for the 6th Asian Beach Games, which Sanya will host next April, showcasing an open, dynamic and green Hainan Free Trade Port." ■
