Half marathon winners will get cow, fish and chicken as prizes… Unique event in discussion

New Delhi: A half marathon is being organized in China’s northeastern province of Jilin in which many unique awards will be given as prizes. The first place winner in the marathon will be given a cow and the other runners will be given wild fish, swan or chicken. Its purpose is to attract more and more participants so that local products can be promoted.

Nongan Taipingchi Ice and Snow Half Marathon will be organized on 29 December. The WeChat post said that the male and female champions of the half marathon will be given a cow. Those who do not want to take it can also take 6,000 yuan (about 70000 rupees) in return.

These awards will be given
The second place winner will get wild fish raised in the Taiping pond, while other prizes will include swans and ducks raised in the same pond. Apart from this, chickens will also be given, other winners will be given ten kilograms (22 pounds) of rice and wheat. The post said, “Big prizes will be given and the champions will be very proud. The organizing committee is working with full sincerity.”

The notice is going viral on Chinese social media and was one of the most discussed topics on the platform Weibo on Tuesday. One user wrote on Weibo, “If the person who comes first lives abroad, will he need to buy a high-speed train ticket for the cattle?”

Marathon craze is increasing in China
The event is scheduled to be held at the Wetland Park in Nong’an County, Jilin, a major agricultural producer. According to the Chinese Athletics Association, marathon races have grown rapidly in China in recent years, with a total of 622 marathons and half marathons scheduled to be held across the country in 2023. On average, about two events are being held per day.

Various types of races are also being organized in small cities and counties with a population of a few hundred thousand. Chinese social media is full of comments on marathon events, sports clothing, equipment, training and diet tips. More than 30 marathons and other road running events were held across China between November 2 and 3, attracting nearly 400,000 participants, state news agency Xinhua reported last week.