Sonam Tsering won the men's race in one hour 10 minutes and three seconds, as Tsering Tsomo won the women's race in 1:23:48. Both winners are from Tibet.

 

"I am very happy to win the race, with a new breakthrough compared to the last Lhasa Half Marathon. I will continue my training in preparation for the National Games," said Sonam Tsering.

 

At an elevation of about 3,650 meters, Lhasa is one of the highest cities in the world. The Lhasa Half Marathon debuted in 2018. In addition to the half marathon category, a 10.52km race and a 5km race were also held on the same day.

 

Li Guihua, a 70-year-old runner from east China's Shanghai Municipality, has attended a dozen marathons this year before making a special trip to Lhasa to experience the plateau marathon.

 

"It is really difficult to run on plateau. Therefore, I am more than happy to have finished the race," said Li, adding that the supply of portable oxygen tanks along the racing track was especially thoughtful.

 

For safety considerations, the organizing committee of the Lhasa Half Marathon required participants in the half-marathon category to have sub-plateau or plateau competition experience within two years. Besides, runners from outside Tibet would have to go to the designated hospital for health re-examination after they arrive in Lhasa.