Around 20,000 runners joined the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Women's Half Marathon in Zengcheng district of Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, on Wednesday.

The race route connects the iconic landmarks of Zengcheng, intertwining through green paths, flower seas, lakesides, riverbanks, flocks of birds, circular running paths and ancient post roads.

After an intense and fierce competition, Li Zhixuan from Shanghai clinched the championship with a time of one hour, 16 minutes and 26 seconds.

"I feel very lucky and happy to win the championship in the first race of the new year," she said. "The atmosphere along the entire race was great, and the beautiful lakeside scenery was a highlight."

The marathon featured a diverse range of race categories, including a half marathon and a fun run for parents and children, according to the organizers.