YANGON, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Before dawn broke over Yangon on Sunday, a sea of runners, both local and international, gathered at the Thuwunna National Indoor Stadium, ready to take part in the long-awaited Yoma Yangon International Marathon.
From elite athletes to enthusiastic amateurs and youth teams, participants took on a variety of races, including the 21-km half marathon and shorter 10-km and 5-km challenges.
The route wound past Yangon's iconic landmarks, with parts of the streets lined by spectators and volunteers offering water, encouragement, and an atmosphere that had been missing for half a decade.
The last edition of the Yoma Yangon International Marathon, often described as Myanmar's largest participatory running event, took place in January 2020.
For many international runners, the marathon was both a sporting challenge and a cultural experience.
Oscar Nilsson, 67, from Britain, who has lived in Myanmar for three years, completed the half marathon. "I run about 10 km every Saturday and another 10 km midweek," he said.
"I love participating in this event. The biggest challenge for me during the race is not to stop. I especially enjoyed the route leading up to Shwedagon Pagoda. It is so beautiful."
Sebastian, 52, from Singapore, came to Myanmar for the marathon and completed the 21-km race. "This is my first time taking part. I feel great. It is very well organized," he said.
"I came across the event on the internet and decided to try it. I've never been to Myanmar before, so I took this opportunity to visit the country. I came to Myanmar on Saturday and will leave on Tuesday," he said, adding that he had also run marathons in Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam.
Jarlath Madine, 62, from Ireland, said that he has completed the half marathon in 2 hours and 30 minutes and emphasized the social significance of international sporting events.
"I have participated in marathons and half marathons in the UK, Ireland, and other countries. This is my fifth half marathon. Events like this bring people from different countries together," he said.
Madine, who has been in Yangon for six months now, said he has also joined a running group in Yangon every Saturday with people from England, Australia, Canada, and Myanmar. "The thing we all have in common is a love for running. It keeps me physically and mentally fit. I recommend it. Everyone should do it," he said.
Local runners also found the running event inspiring. Kushi, a middle-aged woman in the 5-km race, said, "I joined 3-km races in 2017 and 2018, and now the 5-km. I do it for my health and to see how well I can run. Health is the most important thing. I feel tired now, but I feel very happy. I know I should do daily exercise."
Ma Khaing Pwint Oo, 33, a finance staffer from Yangon, shared her first experience. "I was excited. I was unsure if I could finish the 5 km. Along the way, I saw even little children running. It was such a joyful experience. Halfway, I doubted I could finish, but I did."
"I hope these events are organized every year. Next year, I aim to run 10 km or even the half marathon," she said.
Ma Thinn Thandar Shwe, a director of Yoma Group, which organized the marathon, said, "We are excited to bring back the marathon after six years. Seeing the public's enthusiasm is very rewarding. Our goals include promoting health awareness and attracting international runners to boost tourism," she said.
This year, about 7,300 runners, including more than 240 international participants, took part in the races, which started and ended at the Thuwunna National Indoor Stadium, she said.
She said that sporting events like this play a significant role in promoting community health. "We hope to continue organizing sporting events that encourage public participation in the future," she added. ■
