Nearly 5,000 Runners Set Record at Namibia Rossing Marathon, Showcasing China-Africa Friendship

The 35th Rossing National Marathon took place in Swakopmund, Namibia, drawing a record nearly 5,000 on-site participants across 5 km, 10 km, half- and full-marathon distances.

“Staff members at a refreshment station set up by the Chinese side provide drinks to passing runners sat the 35th Rossing National Marathon”

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Thousands more joined virtually from China via the Codoon fitness app's 'cloud run', with over 40,000 sign-ups.

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China’s role at the event was visible and organized.

The China National Nuclear Corporation set up a themed refreshment station at the 2.5 km mark.

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The station provided drinks and snacks and was framed as showcasing Chinese culture.

The on-site experience blended athletic competition with cultural performance.

“Staff members at a refreshment station set up by the Chinese side provide drinks to passing runners sat the 35th Rossing National Marathon”

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Staff in traditional dress performed drum, dragon, and lion dances, handed out Year-of-the-Horse–themed souvenirs, and decorated the stand with a cultural display.

The station was voted the best refreshment point, highlighting both entertainment and cultural exchange alongside the race.

Organizers and coverage framed the event as an example of China–Namibia cooperation and broader China–Africa ties.

They used both the large in-person turnout and the cloud-run participation from China to underscore transnational engagement.

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