At an altitude of 1,890 meters in Kunming, runners of diverse backgrounds stride together along the scenic trails beside Dianchi. Among them are 68-year-old Li Yun, pushing forward with perseverance; 8-year-old Chen Longyan, running toward growth; and dedication of medical runner Zhang Mingming, carrying both duty and passion. On the track of the SCO Kunming Marathon, the "Shanghai Spirit" is no longer an abstract slogan—it takes shape in every breath, in every determined footprint.

On November 30, the SCO Kunming Marathon will sound its starting gun. This race is more than a test of endurance; it is a dialogue across borders through the language of sport—a vibrant window through which the “Spring City” of Kunming opens itself to the world.

"I’ve been running marathons since I retired in 2016," said Li Yun, 68. Having completed more than thirty marathons including all five editions of the SCO Kunming Marathon—he smiled and said, "The most important thing is to run for health and happiness."

Marathon pacer Yu Wen echoed that sentiment: “The changes that sport brings to a person are obvious—it makes you more confident.” Through social media, she leads her followers in fitness training, inspiring more and more people to make exercise a part of their lives.

“Running a marathon is all about challenging yourself,” said Zhang Mingming, a post-1990s physician who served as a race medic at the 2022 SCO Kunming Marathon. During the competition, she not only had to finish her own race but also provide emergency care to runners suffering from cramps, heatstroke, or other symptoms.

Family run

Family running groups added warmth to the event. He Xuanying, who competed with her five-year-old son, said, “Running can help children develop perseverance; it’s a kind of growth for them.” She has promised her son that when he grows older, they will run a half marathon together. Shi Yonghui and his family, glowing after the parent-child run, shared, “I want to inspire my whole family to love this sport through my own passion.”

"I feel truly proud — through running, I have learned the value of perseverance." The words of 8-year-old Chen Longyan resonated deeply with many runners. This simple yet powerful statement captures what this event means to every participant.

Voices of participants

“The most beautiful track really lives up to its name—it’s dynamic and full of life! The boardwalk, the boats, Dianchi’s shimmering water, and tens of thousands of seagulls—what a sight for us runners!” 

“It’s awesome! A marathon right at my doorstep—I must take part and aim for my personal best.” 

“It is my first time in the Spring City. I hope to enjoy the beauty of Dianchi as I run and taste Yunnan’s famous dishes afterward.” 

Powerful Cheers

One of the most powerful cheers collected for the 2024 SCO Kunming Marathon captures runners’ determination: “Training, taking leave, traveling thousands of miles—all for these 42.195 kilometers!”

Another participant, @Adam (A Dang) from Kunming University of Science and Technology, wrote poetically: "Seagulls fly over hills so green; Spring blues the plateau scene; SCO gathers in Kunming's grace; Racing through Colorful Yunnan's space."

And from @Zhao Xiangyu, a playfully creative line: “No ‘Shang’ without excitement, with ‘He’ we move ahead; Run through ‘Kun’ming City, cross the Ma'rathon finish line!” The clever phrasing weaves together the characters of “SCO Kunming Marathon,” symbolizing the close emotional bonds among people from SCO member states.

Over the past decade, the SCO Kunming Marathon has witnessed countless drops of sweat and moments of laughter, and recorded stories of challenge and transcendence. Its meaning long ago transcended the realm of sport—it has become a vivid expression of unity and collaboration among SCO countries, a living example of building a closer SCO community of shared destiny.

The rhythm of running will never cease—just as the story of cooperation and development keeps moving forward. On November 30, let us meet again in the Spring City of Kunming, at 1,890 meters above sea level, to enjoy for openness and enthusiasm, and and together compose a harmonious symphony of cross-civilizational exchange.

This is Kunming—

a city racing forward to embrace the world.