The Qingdao West Coast Half Marathon is set to kick off on April 18 in Qingdao West Coast New Area, organizers said at a news conference on April 8. [Photo/qingdaonews.com]

The much-anticipated Qingdao West Coast Half Marathon, which was suspended last year due to COVID-19, will kick off on April 18 in the Qingdao West Coast New Area amid the splendor of spring.

The half marathon spans a length of 21.0975 kilometers. There is also a 5-kilometer mini-marathon and around 12,000 people are taking part in the event, said organizers at a news conference held on April 8.

Runners rush out from the starting line during the 2019 Qingdao West Coast Half Marathon. [Photo/qingdaonews.com]

The routes pass through the core areas of the tourism zones in the West Coast New Area. It starts at Golden Beach Beer City, a popular venue to enjoy the city's beer and coastal views, and passes by the Qingdao Phoenix Sound Theater, the Tangdao Bay Park and the Silver Beach Scenic Spot, presenting some of the area's most picturesque views.

According to the organizers, this year, with strict epidemic prevention and control measures in place, they will continue to provide professional, considerate, and thoughtful medical, security, and event services.

"We are full of confidence that we can cultivate a gold medal event approved by the Chinese Athletic Association, as well as a high-quality, high-level landmark sports event in the West Coast New Area," said the organizers.

The medal for this year's Qingdao West Coast Half Marathon features local landscapes. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The route for the Qingdao West Coast Half Marathon features picturesque landscapes. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]