The inaugural SCO Kunming Marathon kicks off, 2016. [Provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

On July 4, 2024, the Astana Declaration of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization reaffirmed support for the SCO Kunming Marathon. Since its inception in 2016, this is the fifth time an SCO summit has acknowledged marathon events hosted by member states, affirming the value of such sporting events in promoting friendship and people-to-people connections.

Why a Marathon?

In early 2016, Rashid Alimov, then newly appointed Secretary-General of the SCO after completing a ten-year term as Tajikistan's Ambassador to China, began his three-year tenure in this important role. Shortly after assuming office, he shared some of his work ideas with then Deputy Secretary-General Ambassador Wang Kaiwen. As their conversation was coming to a close, Secretary-General Alimov suddenly proposed that the SCO should host a marathon. This suggestion left Ambassador Wang Kaiwen and Secretary-General Alimov's assistant somewhat puzzled. Later, everyone gradually came to understand his intention.

Marathon running has a strong popular foundation in China, with hundreds of races held across the country each year. With live broadcasts and coverage by various media, these events not only help promote the sport but also enhance the visibility of the host cities, boost socio-economic development, and promote international exchange. Wasn't this an excellent opportunity for the SCO to raise its profile and help more people learn about the organization? Moreover, running also has a strong grassroots following in other SCO member states. A marathon bearing the SCO name would surely attract broad participation. The year 2016 happened to mark the 15th anniversary of the founding of the SCO. Hosting such a large- scale public sporting event could well become the highlight of that year's cultural and people-to-people exchanges for the organization!

Why Kunming?

With less than a year from concept to launch, organizing the inaugural SCO Marathon was a race against time. The first question was: where should it be held? China offered many strong candidates, but Secretary- General Alimov ultimately set his sights on Kunming of Yunnan province in the country's southwest.

Nicknamed the "Spring City", Kunming enjoys a mild climate year-round, where there are no scorching summers and no harsh winters thanks to its low latitude and high elevation. Given the SCO's annual schedule, the most suitable time to hold the marathon was late in the year or early the next. While much of China experiences frigid winter weather at that time, Kunming remains temperate, making it an ideal host. Its elevation is nearly 2,000 meters above sea level, which adds an extra challenge for runners but also enhances the appeal of this endurance event. After all, marathons are about pushing limits. With its lush landscapes, fresh mountain air, and a scenic highland course graced each year by thousands of red-billed gulls migrating from Siberia, Kunming offers an exceptional setting for runners from across the region.

From the perspective of environmental diversity, Yunnan is also one of the most culturally rich and diverse provinces in China. It is home to 26 ethnic groups, including 15 that are unique to the province. Often praised as the "Kingdom of Plants", "Kingdom of Animals", and a "World Garden", Yunnan is a place of vibrant biodiversity and showcases the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. Its poetic nickname, "Where Colorful Clouds Dwell in the South", captures the region's natural and cultural beauty.

On the international front, the SCO had forged a partnership with ASEAN as early as 2005. By the time marathon planning began, the organization was undergoing its first expansion—India and Pakistan were set to become full members, while Cambodia, Sri Lanka and other countries had joined as dialogue partners. As the "SCO family" grew, its regional identity evolved. In this context, Yunnan's geographic position — as a gateway linking China to Southeast Asia — made Kunming an even more fitting and strategic choice for hosting the SCO Marathon.

Another decisive factor was the warm support and genuine enthusiasm displayed by both the Yunnan provincial and Kunming municipal governments toward the SCO project. Equally important was the local population's passion for fitness and sports. During Secretary-General Alimov's first visit to the "Spring City", he stayed near Cuihu Park, where he observed an inspiring daily ritual: men and women, young and old, jogging around the lake at dawn and dusk. That scene convinced him that Kunming had a strong grassroots foundation to host a marathon. Time would prove him right. The residents' enthusiasm for running has lived up to every expectation.

Cheering squads in traditional ethnic dress lined the course, offering encouragement and applause to the runners. [Provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Reaching new heights, chasing dreams in colorful Yunnan

In July 2016, Kunming was officially chosen as the host city for the SCO Marathon. With unanimous support from member states, strong backing from the Chinese Athletics Association, the governments of Yunnan province and Kunming city, the active involvement of local institutions, and the meticulous planning of the event's organizing company, the first race was launched just five months later.

On Dec 17, the starting gun fired at the Yunnan Haigeng Auditorium on the shores of Dianchi Lake, marking the beginning of the world's first marathon named after an international organization. Over 16,000 participants from 25 countries raced through the "Spring City" to cheering crowds, while spectators sang and danced, filling Kunming with an atmosphere of excitement.

Runners of all levels took to the running course: full and half marathoners competed alongside participants in the 10 km, 5 km mini run, and 1 km family fun run. Among the most moving sights were visually impaired runners guided by service dogs, athletes in wheelchairs racing alongside others, and a 29-member family team spanning four generations. A newlywed couple even celebrated their wedding day by joining the race, choosing to begin their life together with a joyful run, holding hands.

As the starter pistol echoed, the event commentator rallied the crowd in both Chinese and English, stirring excitement as thousands of runners in sports shirts of different hues surged forward like a rainbow. The sight was nothing short of spectacular. Overhead, tens of thousands of red-billed gulls which are migrants from Siberia, swooped through the blue sky, seemingly energized by the electric atmosphere of the moment. They soared alongside helicopters broadcasting the race live, completing a breathtaking scene where nature and humanity moved in perfect harmony.

Then Secretary-General Alimov congratulates a Kyrgyz athlete for winning first place in the full marathon at the 2018 SCO Kunming Marathon.

From the grandstand, Secretary-General Alimov embraced fellow attendees in the customary fashion of Eurasian nations, sharing in the collective excitement of the moment. Though it was only the opening ceremony, the atmosphere brimmed with anticipation, as if the finish line had already been crossed and the event declared a resounding success.

Everyone was confident that the first SCO Marathon in history would be a complete success!

At the post-race gala, Secretary-General Alimov was visibly excited. In his signature oratorical style, he extended warm congratulations on the successful launch of the inaugural SCO Marathon. He sincerely thanked the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Chinese Athletics Association, the SCO diplomats in attendance, the governments of Yunnan province and Kunming city, all departments involved in supporting the event, medical and safety personnel, the volunteer teams, athletes and marathon enthusiasts from across SCO countries, and the event operations team. As an elder figure, he also extended his heartfelt blessings to the newlywed couple who had begun their married life with a run on the racecourse.

The event's success also owed much to the strong support of the media. Secretary-General Alimov expressed high appreciation for the efforts of journalists from across SCO countries, including a full live broadcast by CCTV Sports Channel, in-depth coverage by Russia's TASS News Agency, and widespread reporting by both print and online media outlets throughout the SCO region. The SCO Kunming Marathon's instant popularity and continued rise to prominence, along with its establishment as a unique brand, would not have been possible without the dedication of media professionals.

Amid the intensity and thrill of the competition, two light-hearted moments stood out. First was the display of running prowess by SCO country ambassadors to China. Since the inaugural SCO Kunming Marathon, ambassadors and distinguished guests invited to observe the event have, after the official runners set off, run several hundred meters of what has come to be known as the "SCO Stretch". They then proceed to Haigeng Dam to feed the red-billed gulls, which was a scene that may be considered a trademark "standard component" of the SCO Kunming Marathon.

On Haigeng Dam, the ambassadors, typically reserved and composed, enjoyed a rare moment of levity. They laughed and ran, bird feed in hand, as red-billed gulls swooped down to compete for treats. It was as if the gulls had become the true stars of the event, dancing through the air to delight their generously fed guests. The diplomats, freed from their formal routines, seemed to rediscover a childlike joy.

Several ambassadors also registered as official participants, eager to show their athleticism—most notably the Nepalese Ambassador to China, Leela Mani Paudyal. Fit and clearly accustomed to regular exercise, he had initially planned to register for the half-marathon or the 10km race. However, due to scheduling conflicts after the race, he opted for the 5km mini-run instead and completed the high-altitude course with ease.

Another memorable moment came when Secretary-General Alimov, the ambassadors, and other guests were running together and having a great time when suddenly, Secretary-General Alimov's young grandson went "missing". The Secretary-General had originally brought his grandson to the starting ceremony. When the starting pistol fired, the boy enthusiastically rushed onto the course with his grandfather and, in the blink of an eye, vanished into the crowd. After completing the "SCO Stretch" and feeding the red-billed gulls at Haigeng Dam, Secretary-General Alimov visited the broadcasting van to greet the live-stream crew. Just then, his wife called anxiously to ask if their grandson was with him. It was only at that moment that the Secretary-General remembered his beloved grandson. He looked around in all directions, only to find the child was nowhere in sight.

The Secretary-General's grandson had gone missing. How could one not be worried?

As it happened, the head of event security was also in the broadcast van. While comforting the Secretary-General, he asked for the child's description and whether there was a photo on the Secretary-General's phone. At the same time, he immediately issued a search order to the security team. Within just a few minutes, a message came through on the radio: the boy had been found happily running along the racecourse seven kilometers from the starting line! Police officers were already on their way to escort him back.

A great weight was lifted. The Secretary-General was full of praise for the Chinese team's efficiency, remarking that China truly lives up to its reputation as the safest country in the world, and that its facial recognition technology is genuinely impressive.

When the grandparents were finally reunited with their grandson, they asked why he had run so far. With innocent sincerity, he replied that he wanted to reach the finish line and get a finisher's medal. In the end, he happily got exactly what he wished for.

In 2018, during the SCO Kunming Marathon, diplomats gathered at Haigeng Dam to feed the red-billed gulls.

The perfect union of athletic spirit and the 'Shanghai Spirit'

From the very beginning, the SCO Marathon, named after an international organization, has upheld the "Shanghai Spirit" embraced by all member states—mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations, and the pursuit of common development. While striving for faster, higher, and stronger athletic achievements, the event has always emphasized deepening friendship and people-to-people bonds through sport. At the press conference before the inaugural SCO Marathon, the SCO Secretariat formally announced that the SCO Marathon would not pursue commercialization. Beginning with the second edition in 2017, the event adopted its official slogan: "Friendlier, Closer, More Harmonious" (Дружнее! Ближе! Сплоченнее!). Moreover, the SCO Marathon is open to all so long as they embrace the 20-character "Shanghai Spirit", marathon runners from around the world are welcome to take part.

As of April 2025, the SCO Kunming Marathon has been successfully held for nine consecutive years. Although in-person events were impacted during the pandemic, the combined online and offline participation across all nine editions has reached nearly 2.6 million, including over 100,000 offline participants.

The SCO Kunming Marathon has been awarded a Gold Label Road Race by the Chinese Athletics Association. In December 2018, technical officials from World Athletics were sent to perform an on-site evaluation. They thoroughly reviewed the course, event preparations, and execution over two days before they ultimately praised it highly, stating: "The favorable climate and terrain, high-level organizational skills, and the strong potential of the 'SCO family' all indicate a very bright future for the SCO Kunming Marathon, which is well-positioned to become a globally recognized, world-class event." Later, the SCO Kunming Marathon was designated a World Athletics Elite Label Race, and subsequently, a Gold Label Race.

As previously noted, the SCO Marathon has earned unanimous recognition from heads of member states and has been warmly welcomed by members of the "SCO family." Starting in Kunming, the SCO Marathon has since expanded to other SCO member states, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Among these, the SCO Issyk-Kul Marathon held annually in May in Kyrgyzstan has become known as the "sister race" of the SCO Kunming Marathon. As a dazzling symbol shared by the SCO and its host cities, the SCO Marathon has become a recurring highlight in the organization's cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Finisher's medal from the 2018 SCO Kunming Marathon.

The SCO Kunming Marathon, in its own way, has written a moving chapter of the SCO story, and people are looking forward to how it will continue enriching the organization's cultural exchange narrative. If expressed artistically, the SCO Kunming Marathon resembles the iconic traditional Chinese instrumental piece Colorful Clouds Chasing the Moon, co-composed by the renowned Chinese musicians Nie Er (a native of Kunming) and Ren Guang—an experience that evokes feelings of poetic beauty and profound joy.