Time to get healthy and start training for one Macau's most physically demanding sporting events
With the motto “Run Infinity”, the Macau International Marathon has been promoting the importance of living a healthy lifestyle that incorporates regular exercise and encouraging runners to overcome any physical and mental boundaries to achieve their best possible results.
Organised by the Macau Sport Development Board and the Association of Athletics of Macau, the Marathon will take place on December 7, with the objective of promoting athletics in Macau.
It is an annual road race over the official marathon distance of 42.195 km. It has long been considered one of the best city races in China as well as a great model for compact-city marathons around the globe.
The route of full marathon begins and finishes at the Macau Olympic Complex Stadium, taking runners through Macau, Taipa and Coloane (the peninsula and the two islands that make up the city). Runners are expected to finish within five hours.
Each year, the Marathon encourages thousands of amateur athletes and elite runners from all walks of life to reach and exceed their personal goals for better performances, thus continuously improving the overall standard year after year.
The event was first organised in 1981 by the Panda Running Club and was the first international marathon to be held in the Pearl River Delta region. It continues to attract large numbers of both local and international long distance runners.
In particular, the Marathon attracts a majority of overseas runners, with average yearly turnouts of more than 1,000 entrants. The highest marathon's participation record was in 2011, with 1,000 runners starting the race and 740 of them finishing.
Since 1998, three races have been held at each edition: a full marathon, a half marathon, and a shorter mini-marathon. The half-marathon and mini-marathon are designed to attract not only professional athletes but amateurs seeking to test their endurance.
The shorter distances are more popular with both Macau and foreign athletes. Since its introduction in 1997, the half marathon has gone from 348 finishers to a record high of 1,615 finishers in 2011.
The mini-marathon was inaugurated a year after the first half-marathon and instantly gained high participation rates. The route is flat and the race is not so competitive, which attracts people who are looking to keep fit and enjoy the day out too.
In addition to the large numbers of amateur runners who take part in the event, every year the marathon attracts many elite level runners from East Asia, Africa and Europe.
The men's and women's race records were both set in 2013 by Kenyan athletes: Julius Kiplimo Maisei won the men's title in a time of 2:12:43 hours, while Rose Jepkemboi Chesire took the women's honours in 2:31:28 hours.
So put on your runners and start training to get involved in this year’s competition!
Registration dates:
21/11 – End of Registration For Groups
28/11 – End of online registration
Marathon Date: 7/12
