DALIAN: The 34th Dalian Marathon commenced with enthusiasm as 30,000 participants took to the streets, running through the picturesque cityscape of Dalian. The marathon, which began at 7:30 a.m. on October 20, drew runners from across the globe, who were buoyed by the cheers of supportive locals lining the course. According to Ghana News Agency, Dalian's reputation as a 'Global Livable City' and 'Best Tourist City in China' has made its marathon, known as 'Da Ma', a favorite event for marathon enthusiasts worldwide. Established in 1987, the Dalian Marathon was the first in China to attract over ten thousand participants, gaining significant stature both domestically and internationally. This year, the event was certified as an A1 marathon by the China Athletics Association, and organizers employed advanced technology such as face recognition and intelligent material collection systems to enhance the runners' experience. Additionally, BeiDou satellite technology provided precise monitoring and management thro ughout the race. The marathon course was lined with cultural stations that featured performances like war drums, cheerleading, folk music, and Dalian's unique cultural art forms, including Danxian Paiqu and Dalian Puppet Shows. Participants could choose from three race categories: the full marathon, half marathon, and a fun run. The full marathon route, stretching 42.195 kilometers, began in the modern Donggang Business District and passed through historic sites like Zhongshan Square and the scenic Xinghai Bay. Dalian's scenic marathon route offered runners views of the sunrise over the ocean, lighthouses, and windmills, blending classical with modern elements. To further attract visitors, Dalian introduced cultural and tourism incentives lasting through October. New urban experience projects, such as Dongguan Street and Gangdong Fifth Street, provided visitors a glimpse into Dalian's history and beauty. Tourists could also enjoy seaside walks at Suoyu Bay or take a yacht ride from the old Dalian Port pier. Among the runners was Kanji Ito from Japan, participating for the second time. He praised the course's beauty and the city's enthusiastic citizens, noting the presence of renowned international runners as a testament to the marathon's appeal.