The 2025 Guangzhou Marathon started at the Tianhe Sports Center on Dec 21. A total of 26,000 runners participated, following the classic route along the Pearl River and finishing at Haixinsha Island Road.

Morning sunlight illuminates runners as they move forward. [Photo/WeChat account: tianhefabu]

Academician Zhong Nanshan and Olympic champion Chen Aisen jointly fired the starting gun, officially launching the race at the ceremony in Tianhe.

Local cultural elements were incorporated into the event. These included appearances by the mascots of the 15th National Games, Xiyangyang and Lerongrong, as well as a traditional lion dance performance from Liede to cheer on the runners.

Runners cross the Liede Bridge in the morning sunlight during the race. [Photo/WeChat account: tianhefabu]