The 15th National Games Marathon Race Walking Mixed Relay Race

On the morning of November 17, 2025, an innovative athletic event made its debut at China’s National Games in Zhuhai, Guangdong. Thirty pairs of elite athletes—60 in total—gathered at the Jinwan Road course, ready to challenge themselves over the classic marathon distance of 42.195 kilometers in a groundbreaking “mixed gender relay” format.

This marathon race walk mixed relay, a newest addition to both the Paris Olympic program and China’s National Games, represents an exciting evolution in competitive race walking. The event features teams of one male and one female athlete who take turns completing four legs—”man-woman-man-woman”—on a one-kilometer looped course.

A Revolutionary Format

The marathon race walk mixed relay breaks from tradition in several ways. Unlike individual race walking events, this competition requires careful team strategy and seamless coordination between athletes. Each competitor completes two legs of approximately equal distance, adding a demanding endurance component as athletes must maintain their performance level after a recovery period.

The choice of 42.195 kilometers deliberately connects the event to the tradition and popularity of the marathon, while the relay format emphasizes teamwork and tactical racing. As the course is set on a one-kilometer looped track—different from a traditional marathon route—spectators can repeatedly watch the athletes, creating a more engaging viewing experience.

Medalists and Team Performances

The podium celebrated both established programs and emerging talents:

• Gold: Beijing 1 Team (Shi Shengji & Yangjiayu) – 2:58:01
• Silver: Shaanxi 3 Team (Li Yandong & Yang Liujing) – 2:58:40
• Bronze: Shandong 2 Team (Li Lin & Shi Yuxia)

The Qinghai team fielded three pairs, though two were disqualified for technical violations. The remaining Qinghai 3 Team of Kong Xianglong and Qi Zhizhuo finished 13th with a season-best performance of 3:09:48.

Embracing Tradition and Innovation

The mixed relay format represents a modern evolution of race walking, while the sport itself maintains its deep roots in athletic tradition. The setting in Zhuhai—a vibrant city in Guangdong province—showcased China’s ability to host world-class sporting events that honor tradition while embracing innovation.

The inclusion of veterans like Liu Hong, the Rio Olympic champion who competed for Guangdong 1 Team, alongside emerging talents like 18-year-old Shi Shengji demonstrated the healthy development pipeline for Chinese race walking.

Spirit of Sportsmanship and Resilience

Beyond the medals, the event showcased profound sportsmanship. Among the most touching moments came from the Qinghai team, where athletes supported each other through disappointment.

After two Qinghai pairs were disqualified for technical violations, the remaining teammates gathered at the finish line, with female athletes comforting their partners. “It’s okay, we can start over. We have another four years…” they reassured.

This moment moved both competitors and spectators, illustrating how in Chinese athletics—as in broader Chinese culture—collective support often outweighs individual achievement.

Qinghai coach Dong Shouji reflected: “The players are right. We have never lacked the courage to start from scratch. We still have the next four years. The players have confidence, and the coaching staff also has confidence”.