Zhanjiang's annual mini-marathon hit the road on March 19, with 5,000 participants from all walks of life braving the rain to compete in 10-kilometer race.

Starting and ending at the city's sports center, the race route traversed Remin Road and Haibin Avenue, Zhanjiang's two main urban roads, giving runners a unique view and experience of the coastal city.

Ke Xiaohua from Maoming, Guangdong province took first prize in the male category, clocking in with a time of 33m 13s while Li Yuexia of Zhanjiang claimed first place with a time of 44m in the women's race.

The event marks the second time for the mini-marathon to be held in Zhanjiang. Sponsored by the city's sports bureau, the event is aimed at promoting sports and a healthy lifestyle among Zhanjiang locals.

According to the sports bureau, Zhanjiang plans to hold a 40-kilometer full marathon at end of this year.

A 10-kilometer mini-marathon is held in Zhanjiang on March 19, attracting 5,000 running enthusiasts. [Photo/zjphoto.yinsha.com]

Families and couples run in the Zhanjiang mini-marathon. [Photo/zjphoto.yinsha.com]

Participants from the Guangdong police marathon club salute while running the Zhanjiang mini-marathon. [Photo/zjphoto.yinsha.com]

The top three female winners of the mini-marathon's women's category display their trophies. [Photo/zjphoto.yinsha.com]