The 2021 Galaxy Entertainment Macao International Marathon, jointly organized by the Sports Bureau and the General Association of Athletics of Macau and title-sponsored by Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG), was held today (5 December) at the Olympic Sports Centre Stadium.  Yang Shaohui and Zhang Deshun from China won the men’s and the women’s category of the marathon respectively.

Celebrating its 40^th edition, the Macao International Marathon again welcomes elite athletes and long-distance running enthusiasts alike to compete for top honors in different categories.  The 42.195km marathon course runs along both the Governor Nobre de Carvalho Bridge and the Sai Van Bridge and passes by the World Heritage attraction A-Ma Temple.  The marathon and half-marathon started at 6am while the mini-marathon started at 6:15am.  The start of the race was officiated by: Pun Weng Kun, President of the Sports Bureau; Lam Hin Fu, President of the General Association of Athletics of Macau; Francis Lui, Vice Chairman of Galaxy Entertainment Group; and Philip Cheng, Director of Galaxy Entertainment Group.

The top three finishers in both the men’s and women’s marathon are all from China.  Yang Shaohui defeated compatriots Gu Rongchao and Li Wei with a time of 2:13:04.  Last year’s champion Zhang Deshun successfully defended her title ahead of Chen Liqin and Gu Jinjin with a time of 2:29:09.

In the Macao athletes category, the top three in the men’s marathon are Chan Kai Un, Kuok Chi Wai and Tou Weng Keong.  The top three in the women’s marathon are Wu Yangyang, Ieong Mei Na and Lam Sok Chao.

The winners in all categories are as follows:

The winning organizations of the Active Group Trophies are as follows:

• Sport Association and Government Registered Organization: Care Action Macao;
• Public and Private Entities: Galaxy Entertainment Group;
• School: Macau University of Science and Technology.

The Senior Trophy was won by 72-year-old Mak Hang Chi.

Guests attended the event included: Pun Weng Kun, President of the Sports Bureau; Lam Hin Fu, President of the General Association of Athletics of Macau; Francis Lui, Vice Chairman of Galaxy Entertainment Group; Allen Lau and Christine Lam, Vice Presidents of the Sports Bureau; Philip Cheng, Director of GEG; and members of the Sports Committee.

The popular ‘Most Creative Costume Award’ again features this year, with many participants dressed up in their favorite costumes.  The winners were awarded prizes after the races concluded.  Interested participants for the “Fab 40” Marathon Photo Sharing and Lucky Draw may take photos related to the 2021 Galaxy Entertainment Macao International Marathon and upload the photos to their personal accounts on social media platforms, then upload a screenshot of the post to www.macaomarathon.com/en/fab40 or via the Macao International Marathon mobile app, and fill in their personal information to enter the lucky draw by today (5 Dec).  Prizes include a car, hotel accommodation, F&B vouchers and cinema tickets.  Winners will be announced on 13 December on the official website www.macaomarathon.com and the ‘Macao Marathon’ mobile app.

Athletes who successfully finished the race may check the result at www.macaomarathon.com and download the certificate at www.marathon-photos.com from 15 December onwards.