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The fifth Sleemon Shaoxing Marathon opens at the Shaoxing Olympic Sports Center on Nov 12. [Photo/Zhejiang Daily]

The fifth Sleemon Shaoxing Marathon kicked off at the Shaoxing Olympic Sports Center on Nov 12.

The event comprised three categories -- a full marathon, a half marathon and a 6.5-kilometer race.

Since its inception in 2017, the Shaoxing Marathon has attracted around 100,000 participants. The event is a recipient of the Road Race Label by the World Athletics.

High standard services were provided to ensure a safe, organized and satisfying sports event. Organizers had even employed helicopters to provide quick medical services.

More than 2,000 volunteers helped out at the event.

Runners participating in the fifth Sleemon Shaoxing Marathon pose for a photo. [Photo/Zhejiang Daily]

This year's race route passes through a number of scenic and cultural attractions such as the Keyan Scenic Area, the Shaoxing Museum, and the hometowns of Lu Xun, one of the major Chinese writers of the 20th century, and Lu You, a great poet in the Song Dynasty (960-1279).

The organizing committee also held a wide range of supporting activities involving calligraphy and Yueju Opera, a traditional local musical opera in Shaoxing, along the track.

Zhang Ligang finished the men's marathon with a timing of 2:32:42 while Zhao Yali won the women's event with a timing of 2:55:25.