Big weekend for Chinese marathons

Runners kick off 2017 Xiong'an Marathon, in north China's Hebei province, Sunday, September 24, 2017. This was the first marathon to be held in the Xiong'an New Area since its launch in April this year. The route started from Baiyangdian train station and ended at the landmark Baiyangdian Wetland Park, presenting the best scenery of Xiong'an to 3,000 runners from across the country. [Photo: People's Daily Online]

Runners pose for photos at the end of the 2017 Xiong'an Marathon, in north China's Hebei province, Sunday, September 24, 2017. This was the first marathon to be held in the Xiong'an New Area. The route started from Baiyangdian train station and ended at the landmark Baiyangdian Wetland Park, presenting the best scenery of Xiong'an to 3,000 runners from across the country. [Photo: People's Daily Online]

A man proposes to a woman after finishing a marathon in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan province, Saturday, September 23, 2017. The two reportedly met each other in a marathon three years ago. They hoped the marathon at this weekend would mark the start of a wonderful relationship. [Photo: Chengdu Economic Daily]

A woman agrees to a man's proposal after a marathon in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan province, Saturday, September 23, 2017. The two reportedly met one another in a marathon three years ago. They said they hoped the marathon this weekend would mark the start of a wonderful relationship. [Photo: Chengdu Economic Daily]

People with disabilities compete in a marathon in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning province, Sunday, September 24, 2017. [Photo: syd.com.cn]

Two runners dressed in emperor and empress costumes pose for photos in a marathon in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning province, Sunday, September 24, 2017. [Photo: syd.com.cn]

Runners competing in the Beijing Women's Half Marathon, Saturday, September 23, 2017. This was the second time the city has held a women's marathon. With the theme "Running is the new beautiful," this year's event saw over 4,000 women participating. [Photo: Economic Daily/Su Lin]

Runners posing for photos in the Beijing Women's Half Marathon, Saturday, September 23, 2017. This was the second time the city has held a women's marathon. With the theme "Running is the new beautiful," this year's event saw over 4,000 women participating. [Photo: Economic Daily/Su Lin]