The Yangzhou Jianzhen International Half Marathon () is an annual road running competition over the half marathon distance which takes place in April in Yangzhou, People's Republic of China.
The event is named in honour of Jianzhen, a Chinese monk from the city who propagated Buddhism in Japan in the 8th century.Cross, Brian (2010-04-24). Nina Rillstone of New Zealand Wins Half Marathon in China. Suite 101. Retrieved on 2011-04-29. The event was first held in 2006 and grew exponentially in its first six years: it gained IAAF Silver Label Road Race status in 2010 and began to attract elite and amateur runners alike.Jalava, Mirko (2011-04-25). Merga and Dibaba sweep for Ethiopia in Yangzhou. IAAF. Retrieved on 2011-04-29. Almost 3000 runners finished the half marathon in 2011,2011 Half Marathon results. YZMLS. Retrieved on 2011-04-29. while the introduction of a 10K fun run that year saw 25,000 runners take part in the day's event. The race is predominantly Chinese, although 230 foreign athletes were present in 2011.Sun Xiaochen (2011-04-25). Ethiopians dominate Yangzhou race. China Daily. Retrieved on 2011-04-29. East African athletes typically occupy the higher places in the elite races.Jalava, Mirko (2012-04-30). Abshero and Ongori take Half Marathon victories in Yangzhou. IAAF. Retrieved on 2012-05-03.
The very flat, point-to-point course is certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races.International Measurement Certificate. YZMLS. Retrieved on 2011-04-29. The city-centre course begins and ends at the Stadium of Yangzhou Sport Center and passes many of the city's landmarks, including the Wenchang Pavilion, Daming Temple and the Yangzhou Museum.2009 Yangzhou China Jianzhen International Half-Marathon 第四屆中國揚州鑒真國際馬拉松(半程) . Hong Kong Runners. Retrieved on 2011-04-29.
The current men's course record is 00:59:31 by Alex Nzioka Matata in 2025. The women's course record is 1:07:05 by Catherine Amanang'ole in 2025.
Past winners Key:
EditionDateMen's winnerTime (h:m:s)Women's winnerTime (h:m:s)1st27 May 20061:05:531:13:422nd28 Apr 20071:03:231:13:253rd06 Apr 20081:02:571:08:594th26 Apr 20091:02:001:11:015th25 Apr 20101:01:481:11:186th24 Apr 20111:01:101:09:417th29 Apr 20121:01:111:11:078th21 Apr 2013Jalava, Mirko (2013-04-21). Ethiopian double in Yangzhou. IAAF. Retrieved on 2013-04-22.1:00:391:08:439th20 Apr 2014Course records smashed in Yangzhou World Running, 20 April 20141:00:081:08:1610th19 Apr 201559:521:08:3611th24 Apr 2016Wu, Vincent (2016-04-24). World champion Jepchirchir sets course record at Yangzhou Half Marathon. IAAF. Retrieved on 2016-04-24.1:00:431:07:2112th23 Apr 20171:00:561:10:3013th22 Apr 20181:01:311:09:0614th21 Apr 201959:561:08:0415th8 Nov 2020 (cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic)Originally scheduled on 12 April but delayed due to COVID-19 pandemic16th7 Nov 2021 (cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic)event was cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic17th3 Nov 2022 (cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic)World Athletics Half Marathon Championships Yangzhou 22 has been cancelled. World Athletics (IAAF). Retrieved on 2025-12-30.18th16 Apr 2023Yangzhou Jianzhen Half Marathon Yangzhou (CHN) 16 APR 2023. World Athletics (IAAF). Retrieved on 2025-12-30.1:00:511:09:5419th31 Mar 2024Yangzhou Jianzhen Half Marathon Yangzhou (CHN) 31 MAR 2024. World Athletics (IAAF). Retrieved on 2025-12-30.1:00:071:07:1920th30 Mar 2025Yangzhou Jianzhen Half Marathon Yangzhou (CHN) 30 MAR 2025. World Athletics (IAAF). Retrieved on 2025-12-30.59:311:07:05
See also Shanghai International Half Marathon
References
External links Official website