SCO Kunming Marathon draws people closer, friendlier, and more united

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.