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The 2024 Shaoxing Marathon kicks off in Shaoxing, Zhejiang province, on Nov 10. [Photo/Tide News]

The 2024 Shaoxing Marathon kicked off under rainy skies, as about 28,000 runners charged out from the starting line at the Shaoxing Olympic Sports Center on Nov 10.

The event attracted top athletes from around the world for a scenic 42.195-kilometer route that wove through landmarks like Lu Xun Native Place and the Shaoxing Baseball and Softball Sports Center.

The marathon integrated cultural performances along the route, with 46 stops featuring traditional opera, qipao showcases, and other local art displays, giving runners a taste of Shaoxing's rich cultural heritage.

To support the massive turnout, organizers set up 18 aid stations, enlisted 50 official pacers, and recruited over 4,000 volunteers. Police and health services deployed substantial resources, including 30 medical stations equipped with automated external defibrillators.