First of its kind roller skating and running marathon to kick off in Shanghai

A fusion of roller skating and running, the first of its kind in Asia, will fire its starting pistol in Shanghai's Huangpu district on April 14.

The 2024 Huangpu Marathon, which combines the International Roller Skating Marathon Tour (Shanghai Station), the China Roller Skating Marathon Open (Shanghai Station), the Shanghai Enterprise Quarterly Marathon and the Huangpu Marathon Online Race, aims to attract nearly 5,000 participants.

The event routes cover distinctive scenic spots across the city, including the Bund, the Memorial of the Site of the First National Congress of the CPC and the Middle Huaihai Road, showcasing the rich cultural charm and vibrant sports spirit of the city.

The two roller skating marathons will attract 2,000 roller skaters from over 20 countries, competing in full, half and quarter marathon distances. Belgian Bart Swings, the speed skating champion of the Beijing Winter Olympics and the world champion of speed roller skating, will participate in the game.

The Shanghai Enterprise Quarterly Marathon will attract 3,000 attendees, facing employees from Fortune 500 companies and well-known enterprises in Huangpu district.

The event is set to promote the development of the sport in Shanghai and Huangpu district along with the upcoming Olympic Qualifier Series.

Liu Kexin contributed to this story.