Ⅰ. Host

Wuxi Municipal People's Government

Ⅱ. Organizer

Wuxi Municipal Bureau of Sports, Wuxi Huipao Sports Co., Ltd.

Ⅲ. Technical Certification Unit

Chinese Athletics Association (tentative)

Ⅳ. Race Date and Location

March 23, 2025 (Sunday), 7:00 AM, China • Wuxi

Ⅴ. Race Events and Scale

- Men's and Women's Marathon (42.195 km): 25,000 participants  

- Men's and Women's Half Marathon (21.0975 km): 8,000 participants  

- Happy Run (approximately 4 km): 2,000 participants

Ⅵ. Race Categories

Men's Marathon, Women's Marathon, Men's Half Marathon, Women's Half Marathon, Running Team Race in Race, Age Group, Happy Run

VII. Race Routes

VIII. Competition Rules

1.The competition will be conducted in accordance with the "Athletics Competition Rules 2018-2019" approved by the Chinese Athletics Association, the latest updates from World Athletics, "China Athletics Association Road Race Management Documents Compilation" (2024 version) and the latest updates, as well as the competition regulations for this year's marathon.

2.In line with the "Notice on Disabled Athletes Participating in National Marathons and Related Sports Events" from the Chinese Athletics Association, disabled athletes who meet the eligibility requirements will be allowed to participate in this event.

3.The competition will follow the relevant anti-doping regulations as set out by World Athletics and the Chinese Athletics Association. Athletes (including retired athletes) must strictly adhere to the “World Anti-Doping Code” and the “Anti-Doping Rules” published by the General Administration of Sport of China. Retired athletes participating in violation of the rules will have their results disqualified, and any other competition-related benefits will be forfeited.

4.Amateur Participants

4.1 Roll-call Procedure

Sectional Roll-call: Participants will be grouped based on their best results in “A1 Class” marathons or half marathons certified on the China Marathon Information Platform between January 1, 2023, and January 5, 2025. Non-racing wheelchair participants and those pushing strollers will assemble in the designated area for the Happy Run. Due to course conditions, no racing wheelchair category is provided, and racing wheelchair athletes are not allowed to participate.

The organizing committee will set up roll-call mats for each group, and athletes must enter the designated area based on their assigned section. Once the race begins, athletes must pass the roll-call mat in their group and the timing mat at the start line for their time to be recorded as valid.

4.2 Start Command

A wave start will be used, with different starting times for each section. Athletes who start incorrectly will not be stopped but will have their qualifications for the race revoked by the referee.

4.3 Timing Method

4.3.1 This event will use chip timing, starting from the moment the athlete crosses the start line (net time). The marathon winners will be ranked by gun time, while half marathon winners will be ranked by net time.  

4.3.2 Timing mats will be placed at the start, every 5km, the halfway point, turnaround points, and the finish line. Athletes must pass through all the timing mats in sequence. If an athlete completes the race within the cutoff time but misses any timing point, their result will be disqualified and not ranked.  

4.3.3 Timing chips will be distributed along with race bibs at check-in. This will be a one-time chip, with no deposit required, and will not be collected after the race.  

4.3.4 Each timing checkpoint will have a display screen and will be recorded throughout the race.

4.4 Cut-off Times and Distances

To ensure the safety of participants, the course will have rolling closures of public traffic. Specific cut-off times for each section of the course will be enforced. Once the cut-off time for a section is reached, the corresponding timing mat will stop working, and traffic will resume. Any participant who has not completed the required distance by the cut-off time must immediately stop and exit the course for safety reasons. They can take the shuttle bus to the finish or leave the race on public transportation.

The cut-off times are based on actual time, as shown in the table below:

4.5 Bag Drop

4.5.1 Marathon and Half Marathon participants can drop their bags at designated areas at the start. After finishing the race, they must pick up their bags from the corresponding area. The organizing committee will not check the contents of the bags, and participants are advised not to store valuable items like phones or documents in the bag. No bag drop service is provided for the Fun Run.

4.5.2 The bag drop service will stop 15 minutes before each wave starts. Participants must arrange to collect their items at the designated area before the cutoff times. Items not picked up by the deadlines can be retrieved within five days after the race (shipping fees will be borne by the athlete). If items are not claimed within this period, they will be treated as unclaimed.

4.6 Drink, Water, Food, and Energy Stations

The table below outlines the locations of water, Food and energy stations:

4.7 Medical Assistance

4.7.1 Fixed medical stations will be set up along the course and at the finish lines.  

4.7.2 Mobile AED rescue services will be available along the course.  

4.7.3 Volunteer medics will assist with medical care and race order. Athletes can ask them for help at any time.  

4.7.4 In case of unconsciousness, the athlete authorizes the medical staff to provide emergency care, including CPR, AED defibrillation, or rapid transportation by vehicle or air. All legal and financial responsibilities resulting from the incident will be borne by the athlete.  

4.7.5 Medical staff have the right to stop any athlete from continuing if deemed necessary for their safety. Athletes must follow the instructions of medical personnel or volunteers.

5. Elite Athletes

Elite athletes are categorized into international and domestic elite athletes. International elite athletes meet the event's qualification standards, while domestic elite athletes are registered in the Anti-Doping Center's list of athletes.

5.1 Roll-call

Elite marathon athletes will have separate roll-call areas and warm-up zones. They must bring valid identification for roll-call and the start on race day.

5.2 Start and Timing

Elite athletes will start with the first gun and their results will be recorded using gun time. Invalid starts will result in disqualification.

5.3 Self-supplied Drinks

A Self-supplied Drinks Station will be available every 5km on average for elite athletes. Elite athletes can submit their own drinks at the designated time and location on the day before the race, and retrieve them at the corresponding stations during the race. The detailed arrangements for the self-supplied drinks will be announced during the technical meeting.

5.4 Athletic Apparel and Shoes

Elite athletes' apparel must comply with World Athletics' rules, and shoes must be on the approved list of World Athletics. Violators will be disqualified.

5.5 Technical Meeting

A technical meeting will be held the day before the race, where all elite athletes must bring their ID, race gear, and shoes.

6.For other specific race requirements and arrangements, refer to the event's “Official Handbook”.

IX. Registration Process

1. Age Requirements for Participants**  

1.1For the Marathon, participants must be at least 20 years old in the year of the race (born on or before December 31, 2005).  

1.2 For the Half Marathon, participants must be at least 18 years old in the year of the race (born on or before December 31, 2007).  

1.3 For the Happy Run, participants must be at least 8 years old in the year of the race (born on or before December 31, 2017).  

Notes:

- Participants under 18 years of age must have their guardian or legal representative sign the race instructions and the minors' insurance notice at the check-in before the race, in order to collect race kits and participate in the race.  

- Participants under 13 years of age in the Fun Run event must have their guardian or legal representative register for the same event and accompany them throughout the race; otherwise, race kits will not be issued and the participant will not be allowed to register.

2.Health Requirements for Participants

Marathons and related sports events challenge personal limits and carry inherent risks. Improper participation may cause injuries or even threaten life. Therefore, participants should be in good health and have a base of regular running training.

Athletes with the following conditions should not participate:

- Congenital heart disease or rheumatic heart disease.

- Hypertension and cerebrovascular disease.

- Myocarditis and other heart diseases.

- Coronary artery disease and severe arrhythmia.

- Chest pain during light activities or significant coronary artery disease (angina).

- Diabetes with high or low blood sugar levels.

- Recent cold or fever within the last two weeks before the race.

- Excessive alcohol consumption or sleep deprivation the night before the race.

- Pregnancy.

- Other conditions unsuitable for physical activity.

- Before the race, participants must have a health check in a secondary Class A hospital (or above) that includes blood pressure and either a standard ECG, a 24-hour dynamic ECG, or a treadmill test (one of the three). If blood pressure is too high or the ECG shows abnormalities (such as significant bradycardia), a cardiac ultrasound is required. The ECG and ultrasound are not interchangeable.

3.Registration for Amateur Participants

3.1 The marathon is limited to 25,000 participants, the half marathon to 8,000 participants, and the Happy Run to 2,000 participants. Once registration exceeds the limit, participants will be selected through a lottery system with a waitlist.

The event will offer direct entry spots, including for loyalty, charity, age-group, and performance-based entries.

3.2 For specific registration methods, process details, and waitlist/withdrawal procedures, please refer to the event's official website's “Registration Instructions”.

3.3 Participants must accurately provide emergency contact information when registering and ensure that the emergency contact is fully responsible. The organizing committee may contact the emergency contact in case of need.

3.4 The organizing committee may invite other special participants, including pacers, sponsors, and media partners, based on event needs.

4.Registration for Disabled Athletes

The registration method for disabled athletes in this race follows the relevant regulations outlined by the Chinese Athletics Association in the "Notice on Disabled Athletes Participating in National Marathons and Related Sports Events":

4.1 Due to course conditions, there will be no wheelchair racing category for this event, and racing wheelchair participants are not allowed to compete.

4.2 Disabled athletes (including non-racing wheelchair participants) must meet the age and health requirements for the 2025 Wuxi Marathon events. They must pay the registration fee according to the registration guidelines and participate in the unified lottery draw if the registration quota is exceeded.

4.3 Before the race, visually impaired, hearing impaired, intellectually disabled, and upper limb disabled athletes will gather and check in with able-bodied participants in their corresponding starting zones. Non-racing wheelchair participants and those using strollers must gather and check in at the back of the Fun Run start area, and all participants will start the race together.

4.4 For safety reasons, visually impaired participants must have a guide runner accompany them for the entire race. Visually impaired athletes must upload their disability certificate and provide the details of a guide runner who has successfully pre-registered during the pre-registration phase. Other disabled athletes are also encouraged to invite a guide runner to join the race.

5. Registration for Running Team Race in Race 

The registration for the Running Team Race in Race will be open from 10:00 on February 15 to 17:00 on February 25. Participants must meet the registration requirements for the Marathon event outlined in the "2025 Wuxi Marathon Competition Rules" and have completed their registration through the official website or designated channels to secure a spot in the marathon. Runnning team captains can create their teams on the official event website or official mini-program, provide a team name, invite selected athletes who have already secured a race spot. Each participating running team is limited to 15 members (with at least 4 female participants). Once registration is confirmed, no substitutions of team members will be allowed. Each participant can only join one relay team. Elite athletes, pacers, and medical runners are not eligible to register for the relay race.

Teams using well-known social organizations or brand names must provide authorization documents. Team names that violate laws or public morals will be modified by the organizing committee.

6. Elite Athlete Registration

Elite athletes are invited directly by the organizing committee and cannot register as general participants. Elite athletes should contact the organizing committee for registration (email: elite@ihuipao.com).

7. Registration Fees/Donations**  

X. Awards and Prizes

1. Marathon Ranking Prizes

For the top 8 male and female athletes (based on gun time), the following prize money will be awarded (in USD, paid according to the exchange rate on the day of the event):

2.Half Marathon Ranking Prizes

For the top 3 male and female athletes (based on net time), the following prize money will be awarded (in RMB):  

3. Special Prizes for Chinese Participants 

For Chinese athletes who meet the following time requirements and place in the top 3 male and female athletes (based on gun time), the following prize money will be awarded (in RMB):  

4. Running Team Race in Race Prizes

The two female finishers with the best net times and the eight remaining finishers with the best net times among the finishers of the running club will have their average net times calculated as the club's finishing result. If the total number of finishers is less than 10, or there are fewer than 2 female finishers, the missing numbers will be supplemented by the race's cutoff time. If there are fewer than 8 finishers in total, the club's result will be considered invalid.

If the running clubs have the same result, the sorting will first be based on the best net time of the top-performing athlete in the team. If there is still a tie, the second-best athlete's net time will be compared, and so on.

The top three running clubs based on finishing results will receive a cash prize (in RMB, unit: yuan).

5.If a Chinese athlete wins both a marathon ranking prize and a special prize for Chinese athletes, the higher prize will be awarded, and no duplicate prize will be given.

6.A 20% personal income tax will be deducted from all prize awards. According to World Athletics rules, 2% of the prize money for the top 8 marathon finishers will be deducted as an "Athlete Contribution Fee" by the event organizing committee.

7. Prizes will be distributed within 30 days of the event. If an athlete is selected for a doping test, prize distribution will occur after the results are confirmed. If an athlete is disqualified due to doping, their result, ranking, and prize will be revoked, and the prize will not be redistributed.

8. The top 3 male and female marathon finishers will receive a trophy, medal, and prize on-site.

9. The top 3 finishers of amateur participants in each age group (based on net time) will receive a commemorative trophy, which will be mailed 30 days after the results are published. Age groups are categorized as follows (calculated by subtracting the year of birth from 2025):

10. Participants who finish within the closing time can collect a completion medal and race items (for the marathon and half marathon) or a commemorative medal (for the Happy Run).  

11. Marathon and half marathon finishers can also request a finisher shirt through the event website.

12. Athletes can view their results 24 hours after the event on the official website. Athletes beyond the top 20 in any event can download a certificate that includes gun time and net time. If an athlete misses any timing checkpoints, they will be disqualified from the event.  

13. The top 20 finishers in each category will have their results published for 10 days on the official website for any disputes. If any athlete has objections to the race results during the announcement period, they should contact the event organizing committee and provide valid and truthful evidence. Athletes who finish in the top 20 of each category may only download their certificates from the official event website after the announcement period ends.

XI. Penalties

The organizing committee will monitor the start, course, and finish through video surveillance.

The Wuxi Marathon Organizing Committee will impose the following penalties for the violations listed below, in accordance with the competition rules and regulations. Penalties will vary based on the severity of the violation and may include: verbal reprimands, internal discussions, orders for self-check, suspension of competition qualifications, disqualification from the race, cancellation of race results, public criticism, warnings, severe warnings, restrictions or bans from participating in this and/or future events. For serious violations, a report will be made to the Chinese Athletics Association for additional penalties, including a 1-3 year ban from participating in any road running events and activities, or a lifetime ban.

1. Registering for the competition using a false age.  

2. Concealing physical illnesses while participating.  

3. Impersonating another runner, forging race numbers or documents, or engaging in fraudulent activities.  

4. Failing to wear the required race attire or race bib.  

5. Starting from a different start area than the one assigned, or starting in a non-registered category.  

6. Jumping the start or starting before the official signal.  

7. Violating rules by using any vehicle on the race course.  

8. Not following the designated route, cutting corners, or entering the racecourse via other means such as using public transport.  

9. Engaging in aggressive behaviors such as pushing, shoving, or tripping other runners.  

10. Not following the proper procedures for collecting post-race items at the finish line.  

11. Collecting race souvenirs without completing the entire race.  

12. Failing to comply with event staff instructions.  

13. Engaging in verbal abuse, fighting, or causing disruptions during the race.  

14. Acting passively or unwillingly during the race for improper gain or to sabotage the event.  

15. Making inappropriate statements about the event that cause a negative impact.  

16. Any behavior that violates sportsmanship and ethical standards, causing negative consequences.  

17. Other actions that violate competition rules and regulations.  

Any violations not listed here will be managed according to the technical rules of the Chinese Athletics Association and World Athletics.

XII. Insurance

This event provides insurance for all participants and staff, with the policy based on the registration information provided. Any incorrect registration details will result in ineligibility for insurance coverage, and the responsibility will lie with the registrant. Special notes:

1. The insurance purchased by the organizing committee is for personal accident insurance. However, injuries or health issues arising from pre-existing medical conditions or bodily reasons are not covered under this accident insurance. Therefore, participants are advised to carefully consider their participation.

2. If a participant suffers injury or death during the event due to the use of performance-enhancing drugs or other banned substances, the responsibility will lie solely with the participant.

XIII. Technical Delegates, Officials and Judges

The event's technical representatives, officials, and referees will be selected by World Athletics, the Chinese Athletics Association, the Jiangsu Sports Bureau, and the Wuxi Road Running Association.

XIV. Event Cancellation and Emergency Measures

In the event of natural disasters, accidents, public health emergencies, social security incidents, or any other circumstances that may compromise the conditions for holding the race, the event organizing committee will, out of concern for the safety of all participants, make temporary changes to the race route, postpone the race, terminate the race early, or even cancel the race, depending on the specific situation. Regardless of the decision taken, participants must comply with the arrangements made by the organizing committee.

XV. Event Organizing Committee Contacts

- Phone: 400-99-42195 Ext. 1 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)  

- Email: kefu@ihuipao.com  

- Website: wuximarathon.com

Any issues not addressed in the rules will be governed by World Athletics and the Chinese Athletics Association. The organizing committee holds the final interpretation rights for the rules.

Wuxi Marathon Organizing Committee

December 2024