The 2023 COLMO Wuxi Marathon kicked off in Wuxi, East China’s Jiangsu province, on Sunday after being suspended last year due to Covid-19 restrictions. Photo: VCG

China’s 24-year-old runner He Jie beat the Chinese men’s record time for running a marathon in China, set by Ren Longyun in 2007, finishing second with a time of 2:07:30. Photo: VCG

China’s Yang Shaohui also beat the Chinese men’s record time for running a marathon in China, finishing third in 2:07:49. Photo: Yang Lei/Xinhua

Enock Onchari of Kenya celebrates after claiming first place in the men’s category in 2:07:19. Photo: Yang Lei/Xinhua

China’s Bai Li crosses the finish line first in the women’s race of the 2023 COLMO Wuxi Marathon. Bai clocked at 2:26:33 to secure her victory. Photo: Yang Lei/Xinhua

Runners compete in the Wuxi marathon. Photo: Li Bo/Xinhua

The event consists of a 42-kilometer marathon, a 21-kilometer half marathon and a 4-kilometer fun run, attracting 33,000 runners to participate. Photo: Yang Lei/Xinhua

Participants run past a lake during the race. The marathon also functions as a qualifier for the 2023 IAAF World Championships and the 19th Asian Games Photo: Yang Lei/Xinhua