Runners from various countries pose for a group photo after finishing the race. [Photo/Chinese Embassy in the Maldives]
In a bid to enhance friendship and promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges between China and the Maldives, Xiamen and the Laamu Atoll Council have jointly launched a marathon exchange and cooperation program.
In a collaborative effort supported by the Chinese Embassy in the Maldives and the Xiamen Municipal People's Government, the 2025 Xiamen-Laamu Marathon was held on the China-aided Laamu Atoll Link Road on Oct 31, drawing nearly 900 participants from countries like the Maldives, China, Bangladesh, India, and Nepal.
The event also featured a half-marathon, a 10-kilometer, a five-km, a three-km , and a kids' fun run. Ambassador Kong Xianhua and Mr Ali, chairman of the Laamu Atoll Council attended and addressed the opening ceremony.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from the Chinese embassy, Chinese-funded companies in the Maldives, and local residents.
"The Laamu Atoll Link Road is a key BRI project, and the marathon spirit mirrors our friendship," stated Ambassador Kong, "I believe such sports cooperation will further propel our bilateral ties."
Spearheading marathon exchanges since 2024, the Foreign Affairs Office of Xiamen Municipal People's Government and Xiamen Municipal Sports Bureau have supported and promoted these events, deepening local-level people-to-people connections.
China will extend its visa-exemption arrangements to France and other countries covered by the policy to Dec 31, 2026.
