On October 20, 2024, at 9:30 AM, the Aral Marathon kicked off, drawing nearly 3,000 runners from various backgrounds.

As the starting gun fired, participants surged from the starting line, eager to take on the challenge ahead. This year’s event featured three race categories: a full marathon (42.195 kilometers), a half marathon (21.0975 kilometers), and a fun run (3.59 kilometers). The race commenced at the 359th Brigade Memorial Museum and passed several iconic sites, including the Tunken Cultural Park and the Populus Euphratica Riverside Park. Runners not only pushed their limits but also enjoyed the vibrant colors of the autumn leaves lining the route, all while witnessing the impressive modernization of Aral City in Xinjiang.

“It was my first marathon since participating in one in Changsha. Since becoming a silver-age teacher at Tarim University, I’ve come to really appreciate Aral, and even encouraged two of my students to join this event,” said Zhu Yan, a 61-year-old retired professor from Zhejiang University.

“On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 70th anniversary of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, we are hosting this marathon for the first time to showcase the charm of our military reclamation city and promote the spirit of sports,” explained Zhang Shigao, director of the Aral City Bureau of Culture, Sports, Radio, Television and Tourism.