On October 12, the “QZ You Li” 2024 National Marathon Swimming Championships kicked off in Sha Wan Village, Xin’an Street, Kecheng District, Quzhou City, Zhejiang Province. The event drew over 200 athletes from 17 teams across 16 provinces in China, all eager to compete fiercely.
Marathon swimming is a 10-kilometer race held in open water, and it became an official Olympic event during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Since then, it has appeared frequently in major national competitions.
This year’s event features a one-time final format, with competitions in both men’s and women’s 10-kilometer marathon swimming, and includes individual and team events. As the starting signal sounded, the first group of female athletes dove into the shimmering lake, showcasing powerful and graceful strokes with every movement.
“This is the perfect venue for water sports in Quzhou,” said Sun Panbang, Secretary-General of the Quzhou Swimming Association. “The waters in Sha Wan Village have a wider expanse, with the lake reaching up to 650 meters at its widest. The current is gentle, and the water quality consistently meets grade two standards.”
Following the “Happy River and Lakes” national open water swimming event, this championship marks another high-level competition held in Sha Wan Village. Upcoming events include the second National Open Water Paddleboard Lifesaving Competition and the inaugural “Happy Swimming Challenge” across Xin’an Lake.
Since 2022, over 100 acres of land along the river have been transitioned to the village collective for riverside beautification projects, with a focus on developing diverse specialty industries. This initiative has drawn in several local athletic associations, including the Quzhou Running Association, Swimming Association, and Triathlon Association.
“We’re leveraging the resources of our associations to develop clubs, set up training locations, and host various water and land events, thereby continuously attracting people to the village and enhancing our brand,” said Xu Xinhui, the village’s secretary and director.
“The weather is great today, and the water is crystal clear. Although the entire swim was tiring, I’m thrilled to have finished in first place,” said Liu Yaxin, a member of the Zhejiang Shouxian Valley Swimming Team. Ju Tianyu from the Beijing Sports Lottery Swimming Team expressed that it was his first visit to Quzhou and noted that the event organization and environment were impressive. After the competition, he plans to visit the Kong Family South Sect Heritage Temple and nearby attractions.
A representative from the Kecheng District Cultural, Tourism, and Sports Bureau revealed that another exciting event, the Lingjiu Mountain Ancient Road Trail Race, will be held at the end of October, expecting to draw participants from across the country. They hope that attendees enjoy the thrill of competition while also appreciating the beautiful scenic landscapes along the way and creating unforgettable memories.
