For a few days, I was a little disappointed. The event I had talked up and told other people about, wouldn’t be happening for me. Well fortunately things in China can still get done with a slight greasing of the palm. A buddy of mine called up and said that he had 10 people who wanted to sign-up for the race, they said “no, it’s too late”. After an explanation of how they’re all foreigners who couldn’t understand the website (not entirely true), and an offer to pay an extra 10 RMB per person, we were golden. So for the low price of 10RMB per person we were able to sign-up late for the race, yeah, the extra 10 RMB was a 33% increase in the race fee, but really 40 RMB for a shoe bag, a nice sweat-wicking shirt, and a city wall ticket is still a good deal.

Race day was cold as I had expected, but perhaps a bit warmer than last year. Once again, despite “needing” to be there at 8:00 AM everyone stood around and waited until the race started at about 9:30. I guess it was really important that some government officials talk and be given some kind of award or box of tea or something.

Anyway, from the beginning of the race until the end. I mostly kept my eyes on the ground so as to not trip and fall on my face. Fortunately I had a little company for at least half the race and the second half was just me telling myself that I wouldn’t stop running until the end. I finished the race in 1:17:48, about 5 minutes slower than last year. But I’ll attribute that to the lack of time to train this year.

Afterwards Xianease magazine sponsored a double-decker party bus with pizza and beer, the perfect way to replenish after a long run!

1 km = 0.62 miles  >> 13.7 km = 8.51 miles

The events began bright and early, as in before 8am, centered around the south gate of the city wall. This was a slight problem for me, because it takes me more than an hour by bus to get from my school to the south gate. Fortunately my Chinese mother and father were able to help me out (I can’t say enough about how generous and helpful they are!) and provide me with a place to stay the night before the race, located only a 15 minute drive from the south gate. Upon arriving, there were many people located on the main plaza in front of the gate pounding on drums and dancing some kind of traditional dance. The run was clearly a big event, and actually quite international. I hadn’t seen so many white faces since leaving LAX! I felt like it was a little un-organized, but that could be for a few reasons; I’m illiterate (that’s a big one, but it is supposed to be international), or perhaps I’m used to the great organization provided at the Fargo Marathon. Had I been alone, I probably would have been very confused.

My family helped me figure out where I needed to be, and realize that I had almost an hour to kill before the race would start. We walked around, and chatted and just observed some of the other people getting ready for the race, many Chinese, and a good number of foreigners, 43 different countries according to the official count. With about 20 minutes to race time I got down and did my stretching, and before I knew it there were five people taking pictures and one person shooting video. Apparently a white guy stretching is quite interesting. After some fanfare, including a few words from the Mayor of Xi’an and some other important figures, the race was about to begin. Although I’d love to talk about all the beautiful scenery I saw while running around the city, I can’t. The running surface isn’t the flattest, so I spent a good amount of time looking down at the thousands upon thousands of bricks to make sure I didn’t roll my ankle.

I’ll answer your questions about the air-quality now, before you even ask them. No, the air really wasn’t all that bad. My throat was a little sore after the race, but it’s not like I was breathing in exhaust fumes the entire time.

…I finished with a time of 1:12:10…

Before the race, I estimated that I could easily finish within one hour and fifteen minutes, and I’m happy to say that I was right. I finished with a time of 1:12:10, meaning I ran pretty consistent 8 minute 30 second miles. The unfortunate fact was that there was no timing being done unless you were participating in the half-marathon competitively! I’m glad I wore a watch and timed myself, otherwise I’d have no idea how fast I ran! I’m sure I’ll be a little sore for the next day or two, but I’m definitely happy I was able to take part in the race. See all the photos from the race in the gallery.

For those of you looking for information about the race, where to register for next year, etc. Check the links below.

Local news on the event (xinhuanet.com)

Official website (have someone who can read Chinese help you, the English version is relatively useless and outdated)