The first international marathon kicks off in Xintai, a county-level city of Tai'an in East China's Shandong province on Oct 28. [Photo/my0538.com]

Xintai, a county-level city of Tai'an in East China's Shandong province, staged its first international marathon on Oct 28.

The running route traversed some of the city's iconic landmarks and scenic spots, including Lianhua (Lotus) Mountain Scenic Area and Qingyun Lake, giving runners some spectacular views of the city.

A total of 3,362 marathon enthusiasts from home and abroad, including from countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya and Germany, took part in the event; 496 are in the full marathon (42.2 kilometers), 1,330 in the half marathon (21.1 km) and 1,536 for a mini marathon (5 km).

A cheerleading squad cheers the runners on at the scene of the 2018 Xintai international marathon on Oct 28. [Photo/my0538.com]

Josphat Kipchumba, from Kenya, won the men's first prize of the full marathon in a time of 2 hr 27 min 7 sec after some fierce competition while Chinese runner Li Shuyun claimed the women's race in a time of 3:10:30. Shuyun was also the winner of the women's full marathon at the Water Margin International Marathon held in Tai'an's Dongping on May 6.

Philip Muriithi Kibaki of Kenya won the men's title for the half marathon in 1:07:32 whilst Kasu Bitew Lemeneh from Ethiopia won the championship of the women's half marathon in 1:19:32.

Philip Muriithi Kibaki of Kenya races home in the men's half marathon. [Photo/my0538.com]