A total of 36,000 runners set off from Yongning Gate of the Xi'an City Wall on Oct 18 for the 2026 Xi'an Marathon, which showcased the city's profound heritage and enduring vitality.

Over 240,000 runners signed up for the 2026 Xi'an Marathon during pre-registration. The event features two categories: full marathon and half marathon, with 24,000 and 12,000 participants, respectively.

Runners pass Xi'an Bell Tower. [Photo/Xi'an news network]

New race records were set in both the men's and women's marathons, with Wu Mingyao of Shaanxi province claiming the men's title.

Wu Mingyao breaks the men's full marathon record. [Phoo/Xi'an news network]

This year's Xi'an Marathon retains the race route adopted in 2025. The finish for the full marathon is the Xi'an Olympic Sports Center Stadium, while the half marathon concludes at the Xi'an International Convention and Exhibition Center.

The course crosses Xincheng district, Beilin district, Weiyang district, Baqiao district, Qujiang New District, and Chanba International Port, passing landmark sites, including the Bell Tower, the Daming Palace National Heritage Park, and Central Asia Park.

Forty cultural promotion stations were set up along the route. Drawing on Xi'an's urban culture and iconic landmarks, they featured live performances of Qinqiang Opera and hanfu (traditional attire of the Han Chinese), serving as moving showcases of the city and capturing widespread attention.

A sports consumption expo was held from Oct 15 to 18. Spanning 15,000 square meters, it drew 146 exhibitors, over 100 more than last year. The expo covered diverse sectors, including sports gear, health services, and local specialty agricultural goods.

The marathon attracts many spectators. [Photo/Xi'an Release]

The marathon worked with major scenic spots and time-honored restaurants across the city to offer beneficial services for participants. Runners can enjoy a variety of discounts on dining, accommodation, and shopping with their race credentials. This initiative further deepened the integrated model of "sports events + cultural tourism + consumption", enriched urban consumption scenarios, and converted event popularity into economic growth.