The 2019 Taiyuan International Marathon -- which concluded in Taiyuan, capital city of North China’s Shanxi province on Sept 8 -- was an outstanding success, according to the organizers.

About 30,000 running enthusiasts from 30 countries and regions took part in the early-fall race, including 46 professional marathon athletes.

Runners were able to choose between a full marathon, half marathon, mini marathon and a family marathon.

After a fierce race, Marcus Kim from Kenya won first prize in the men’s full marathon with a time of 2hrs 9 min 43 sec; fellow Kenyan Lanas Yami Gourham triumphed in the women’s full marathon with a time of 2hrs 29 min 48 sec.

In addition, Chinese runner Guan Yousheng from Southwest China’s Guizhou province won the "China Speed Award" especially set up for Chinese participants with a time of 2 hrs 15 min 38 sec. He also achieved a new personal best time.

Marathon enthusiasts sprint off from the starting point of the 2019 Taiyuan International Marathon in Taiyuan, capital city of North China’s Shanxi province, on Sept 8. [Photo/Xinhua]

A happy marathoner shows his enthusiasm at the start of the 2019 Taiyuan International Marathon in Taiyuan on Sept 8. [Photo/Xinhua]

Marcus Kim from Kenya takes first in the men’s full marathon with a time of 2hrs 9 min 43 sec on Sept 8. [Photo/Xinhua]