The Haier 2023 Qingdao Marathon is scheduled to kick off on April 22, according to a news conference held on Feb 13.

The event was suspended last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, it has opened registration for 25,000 participants, which involve 7,000 runners for the full marathon (about 42.19 km), 12,000 for the half marathon (about 21.09 km), and 6,000 for the mini run (about 5 km).

The registration for the event started on Feb 13 and will last until Feb 27. Runners can register through the official WeChat account of the Qingdao International Marathon or on its official website. Full marathon and half marathon applicants will draw lots if the places are full. The mini race, family race and charity race will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The Qingdao Marathon is part of the World Athletics Label Road Races and is rated as the "Gold Medal Event" of the Chinese Athletics Association.

According to event organizers, the course traverses through several of the city's scenic areas, such as May Fourth Square, Zhongshan Park, Zhanqiao Pier, and the Badaguan Scenic Area.

Runners burst off the starting line at the 2021 Qingdao Marathon in Qingdao, Shandong province. [Photo/IC]

Runners pose for a photo during the 2021 Qingdao Marathon. [Photo/WeChat account: qdfbwx]

Runners grab food from volunteers during the 2021 Qingdao Marathon. [Photo/WeChat account: qdfbwx]