(Photo/Guangzhou Daily)

The GAC Toyota Guangzhou Marathon 2024 is set to kick off on December 8, with 26,000 participants expected to compete in the marathon event. The race will start at the South Square of Tianhe Sports Center and finish at Haixinsha Island, following the classic "One River, Two Banks" route that has been certified by World Athletics' AIMS Grade A course measurers.

At the press conference, the organizing committee announced four ambassadors for the event: Vivian Kong Man Wai, the Olympic fencing champion from Hong Kong; Kenenisa BEKELE, renowned Ethiopian athlete; Liang Weikeng, the world badminton champion from Guangzhou; and Rupert Hoogewerf, founder of "Hurun China Rich List".

As a key accompanying event, the 2024 Guangzhou Marathon Expo will take place from December 5 to 7 at the China Import and Export Fair Complex, opening its doors to the public for the first time. The expo will feature several sections, including a race materials pickup area, a historical and cultural display area, and an interactive experience area, showcasing over 40 officially licensed merchandise items about the event. What's more, the parent-child running activity on December 7 is expected to attract 600 families to experience the marathon atmosphere in advance.

To enhance the participant experience, the organizing committee has optimized a number of services. There will be more than 30 music stations setting up along the route, and the post-race area will include an ice bath pond, stretching zones, and unique Cantonese refreshments to provide comprehensive recovery options for the racers. This year's design for the finisher's medal incorporates elements of Guangzhou's Sai Kwan Mansions, reflecting a blend of tradition and modernity. New additions this year include humanized arrangements such as an outfit for those who finish the race in three hours, a dim sum refreshment area, and personalized birthday greetings.

Over 6,000 volunteers have joined the team, who have completed several online and offline training sessions. In addition, the event will utilize a facial recognition system and the "Find the Runner" feature for participant identification and status tracking. AI filming technology will also generate personal competition videos and photos for each runner.

During the marathon, the organizing committee will launch the activity called "Guangzhou Marathon Runner Travelling in Guangzhou", offering participants discounts on attractions, hotels, and exclusive deals on Cantonese cuisines. In addition, intangible cultural heritage displays will be featured at the Expo and post-race area, showcasing the charm of Cantonese culture.