体坛英语新闻：Rock 'n' Roll Marathon makes impressive debut in China

CHENGDU, China, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Some 10,000 runners from 37 countries and regions took part in the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Chengdu 2017 on Saturday in Dujiangyan, a city in Southwest China's Sichuan Province.

Chinese competitor Zhao Hao was the first person to break the tape and Mo Ziling was crowned champion of the women's race.

The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series is one of the world's largest running series with more than 500,000 people taking part in 30 global cities each year. Dujiangyan is the first Asian city to stage the race.

Music was played at 10 posts along the route, so that runners could rock out from the beginning to the end. Seven renowned Chinese rock bands including Yao, Ashura and Islands in the South were invited to perform on the stage near the finish line.

Li Xiaobai, founder of the New Silk Road fashion organization and a six-star finisher at AbbottWMM races, said he really enjoyed the race.

"My friends and I have run many marathons around the world, this Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Chengdu surprised me with its world-class organization and considerate service," he said.

Li added that he is looking forward to running in the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon series again.

Jeff Edwards, operations director of Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series, said that he was very optimistic about the future development of the event in China.

"Marathon running in China has made great progress. Every year millions of people join the sport. Events like the Beijing Marathon and the Shanghai International Marathon are sophisticated. I believe this Rock 'n' Roll Marathon event will continue to enter more Chinese cities to give runners a different and exciting experience. Running is not boring, it is fun," he said.