Friday, 20 June 2025

Running Beyond Borders: Guangxi Launches First China-Vietnam Cross-Border Half Marathon

China-Vietnam Detian (Ban Gioc) Transnational Waterfall
Cross-Border Run and 2025 Daxin Half Marathon in Chongzuo City
A Race Through Natural Wonders and International Friendship

In a historic first for the region, over 3,000 runners gathered in Chongzuo City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, to take part in the inaugural China-Vietnam Detian (Ban Gioc) Transnational Waterfall Cross-Border Run and 2025 Daxin Half Marathon. Held on May 18, 2025, this event marked a bold new step in integrating sport, tourism, and diplomacy through the scenic heart of the China-Vietnam borderlands.

The half marathon unfolded within China’s first internationally recognized tourism cooperation zone, a unique destination blending natural beauty and cultural harmony. With participants hailing from both China and abroad, the event served as a powerful symbol of cross-border cooperation and regional tourism development.

An Unforgettable Route Through Borderland Landscapes

The 21-kilometer course began at the Shuolong Border Port, guiding runners past the iconic Detian Transnational Waterfall Scenic Area, one of Asia’s most stunning cross-border natural wonders. Along the route, runners were treated to sweeping views of the lush countryside, karst peaks, and rivers that define this dramatic landscape.

The route concluded within the Sino-Vietnamese cooperation zone, a newly opened tourism area along the 43-kilometer shared border. It offered athletes and spectators a rare chance to experience borderland culture firsthand, where language, food, and music flow freely across national lines.

International Champions Take the Podium

Kenyan athletes delivered commanding performances at the event. Eyanae Paul captured the men’s half marathon title, while Kuria Mary Wangari took first place in the women’s division. Their victories brought international attention to Guangxi’s emerging role in hosting world-class sporting events.

For those seeking a more leisurely experience, organizers also introduced a 6-kilometer “Joy Run,” designed for families, casual joggers, and walkers eager to take in the region’s beauty at a gentler pace.

A Cross-Border Event with Cultural Impact

More than just a race, the cross-border run also highlighted the success of the Sino-Vietnamese Tourism Cooperation Zone, which officially began operations in October 2024. Since then, it has welcomed over 30,000 visitors and served as a model for cultural exchange through activities like cross-border folk festivals, waterway performances, and environmental collaboration.

This unique event underscored the role of tourism and sport in strengthening ties between communities, while offering new economic opportunities for residents on both sides of the border.

Tourism Information

China National Tourism Administration – www.chinatravel.cn
Guangxi Department of Culture and Tourism – www.gxtourism.com

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