The medals for Lishui Marathon are made from Longquan celadon. [Photo/Tide News]

The 2024 Lishui Marathon will kick off in Lishui, Zhejiang province on March 31, as announced at a news conference held on March 25.

A total of 15,000 individuals are expected to participate in the event, including 4,000 full marathon runners, 5,000 half marathon runners, and 6,000 fun runners. Participants hail from 329 cities in 33 provinces of China, as well as from countries such as Ethiopia and Kenya.

The marathon course covers several landmarks and scenic spots in Lishui, including not only cultural landmarks like Yingxing Tower and Zijin Bridge, but also natural landscapes such as Nanming Lake and reed marshes.

A highlight of the event is the official medal crafted from Longquan celadon, an intangible cultural heritage. As the first marathon medal made of celadon material in China, it is carved with a combination of bas-relief and relief carving techniques, showcasing the Yingxing Tower in Lishui.

Home to the only She ethnic autonomous county in China, Lishui also integrates She ethnic elements into the marathon. Staff members at both the starting point and the finish line will be dressed in traditional She costumes, and representatives from the She ethnic group will offer reception services at the train station.

Notably, the hanging rope paired with the medal is woven from She ethnic group ribbon, providing participants with a further glimpse into the unique She ethnic customs.