The 2023 Yellow River Estuary (Dongying) Marathon was held in Dongying, a city where the Yellow River meets the sea, on Oct 22, attracting nearly 30,112 runners from 14 countries.

Robert Kipkorir Kwambai from Kenya won the men's full marathon with a time of 2 hours 8 minutes 27 seconds, while Ruti Aga Sora won the women's full marathon with a time of 2 hours 18 minutes 9 seconds. Both their timings were new event records.

"I'm so happy, because I broke my records for the previous marathons I ran before, and what helped me to break the records was training," Robert said after race, "I love this place. People here is very friendly. They are enjoying the marathon and they are cheering for us all the way around the race."

This year's event featured three categories: a full marathon, a half marathon, and a fun run. The organizers had made comprehensive upgrades to this year's marathon route, which passes through landmarks and wetlands so that runners could experience the charm of the city during the race.

Runners take off at the 2023 Yellow River Estuary (Dongying) Marathon in Dongying, Shandong province on Oct 22. [Photo by Sun Guanghui/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Runners in action at the 2023 Yellow River Estuary (Dongying) Marathon on Oct 22. [Photo/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Robert Kipkorir Kwambai from Kenya wins the men's full marathon with a record-breaking time of 2 hours 8 minutes 27 seconds. [Photo by Mao Yuntao/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A runner receives medical treatment after completing her race on Oct 22. [Photo by Cui Guanfeng/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]