(DALIANNEWS)- Themed of “Run in Dalian, The City of Passion”, the 31st Dalian International Marathon took place in Dalian, a port city of Northeastern China's Liaoning Province, at 7:10 am, May 13, 2018.

The 31st Dalian International Marathon takes place in Dalian, a port city of Northeastern China's Liaoning Province, at 7:10 am, May 13, 2018.

The 31st Dalian International Marathon takes place in Dalian, a port city of Northeastern China's Liaoning Province, at 7:10 am, May 13, 2018.

Edwin Kibet Koech from Kenya won the champion of men’s marathon (42.195km) with a race time of 2:09:44. Willy Ngelel Kiplangat from Kenya and Habtamu Agga Wegi from Ethiopia won the 2nd and 3rd place in men’s marathon (42.195km) respectively. All of the top three winners broke the match record.

The awarding ceremony of men’s marathon (42.195km)  is held in Dalian, a port city of Northeastern China's Liaoning Province, May 13, 2018.

In the women’s marathon(42.195km) competition, Seyfu Mulu Seboka from Ethiopia proved fastest completing the route in 2 hours, 28 minutes and 59 seconds, while Mukhwana Ednah  and Tanui Rodah Jepkorir both from Kenya won the 2nd and 3rd place.

Seyfu Mulu Seboka (M) from Ethiopia wins the champion of women’s marathon (42.195km) in Dalian, May 13, 2018.

Edwin Kibet Koech from Kenya crosses the finish line, winning the champion of men’s marathon (42.195km) with a race time of 2:09:44, in Dalian, a port city of Northeastern China's Liaoning Province, May 13, 2018.

"It is my first time to take part in the marathon in Dalian. The course is very good here, and I am happy to win the position one today.”, said Edwin Kibet Koech from Kenya, champion of men’s marathon (42.195km).

"The marathon environment is very good here and people are very nice. The course is very good too and athelets are excellent this year. The wind is very light today, and I think I can get a better score next year. ”, said Seyfu Mulu Seboka from Ethiopia, champion of women’s marathon (42.195km). 

"I really love this city and enjoy the marathon here. ", Seyfu Mulu Seboka also expressed her affection for the city of Dalian.

Dalian International Marathon attracted 29,889 athletes from 38 countries and regions in the world as well as 23 provinces, 4 municipalities and 4 autonomous regions in China. Among them, there were 429 foreign athletes, 10,886 athletes from other domestic provinces and cities as well as 18,574 local athletes.

Medical service stations, mobile AED medical support services together with medical assistance volunteers are provided along the route. Apart from that, the clothes deposit service, public toilets as well as different types of supplies were also provided during the event.

Medical assistance volunteers are seen during Dalian International Marathon 2018.

Rex Issa Char from Vanuatu gave a high praise to the marathon this year. “The organization of the marathon is very good and professional. The organization committee has done a very good job.” , said Rex Issa Char.

"I think the competition is tough. We are here just to participate in the game and enjoy Dalian. We are looking forwad to coming back to Dalian next year.”, added Rex Issa Char.

Medals and trophies are prepared for the winners of Dalian International Marathon 2018.

The top winners of Men/Women Marathon events(42.195km) were awarded 30,000 US dollars respectively. Special awards were also provided for the first time for the top 8 men and women Chinese athletes this year. 

The marathon includes seven categories and fourteen events this year.

1. Men/Women Personal Marathon, Marathon Team Event (42.195km)

2. Men/Women Marathon Relay (42.195km), 6 runners in each team 

3. Men’s Wheelchair Marathon (42.195km)

4. Men/Women Half Marathon (21.0975km)

5. Men/Women Wheelchair Half Marathon (21.0975km)

6. Men and Women 10km Fitness Run(10 km)

7. Men and Women Mini Marathon (4.2km)