On November 30, 2025, in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China, Shanghai Cooperation Organization Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev inaugurated the 10th International Kunming SCO Marathon 2025 – an anniversary sporting event that has served as a symbol of friendship, mutual understanding, and unity for the SCO "community" over the past decade.
The event was traditionally organized by the People's Governments of Yunnan Province and Kunming City, the Yunnan Provincial Sports Administration, and the Yunnan Provincial Foreign Affairs Office, in conjunction with the SCO Secretariat. 26,000 participants from various countries worldwide, including SCO member states, took to the starting line, setting a new record in the marathon's history.
The opening ceremony of this vibrant sporting event was attended by Chinese officials, ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions accredited to China, and international sports and public organizations.
Speaking at the opening, the Secretary-General emphasized that the Kunming Marathon is one of the Organization's key humanitarian projects, strengthening sports, cultural, and people-to-people ties among the peoples of Eurasia. He noted that sports diplomacy has become an important area of cooperation within the SCO, and the marathon holds a special place in promoting the ideals of fair competition, equality, mutual respect, and the pursuit of peace.
Nurlan Yermekbayev highlighted Kunming's growing significance as a hub for the SCO's multilateral humanitarian and sports initiatives, stressing that the city has all the capabilities to host large-scale international events. Noting that the SCO will mark its 25th anniversary in 2026, the Secretary-General proposed naming the next, 11th Kunming Marathon "25 Years of the SCO - Forward Together Only!", as a tribute to the cultural diversity underpinning cooperation among SCO countries.
Nurlan Yermekbayev presented awards to the competition's winners and medalists, noting that the race was a vivid example of strength of character, will to win, endurance, and genuine team spirit.
The Secretary-General expressed gratitude to the organizers for the high level of preparation and hospitality, emphasizing that the atmosphere in Kunming once again demonstrated the unifying role of sports and the aspiration for fair and spectacular competition. In her remarks Cui Li, Vice Chairman of the SCO Committee on Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation, highlighted the marathon's significance as a platform for strengthening humanitarian ties and promoting the values of sports.
On the sidelines of the event the Secretary-General held talks with Yunnan Province Vice Governor Yang Yang. They exchanged views on cooperation between the province and the SCO Secretariat, including hosting the Kunming Marathon, as well as future prospects for developing cooperation within the Organization.
Since its founding in 2016 the Kunming SCO Marathon has demonstrated a high organizational level and met international standards for sports competitions. The marathon is certified as an A1 category event by the Chinese Athletics Association, complying with requirements for the route, infrastructure, safety, and judging. The event holds a World Athletics Gold Label, confirming its international prestige, quality of execution, and the eligibility of athletes' results for qualifying for global competitions. Kunming has joined the ranks of Chinese cities that regularly host competitions of this caliber.
The Kunming SCO Marathon attracts athletes, running enthusiasts, youth, and representatives of sports federations. Over the years, the marathon distances have included the classic 42 km race, a 10 km half-marathon, and mass amateur races. The number of participants grows annually, with a record 26,000 people registered in 2025.
The current marathon was notable for its athletic achievements: new records were set in the men's and women's competitions. The record time for men was 2 hours, 08 minutes, and 48 seconds, and for women, 2 hours, 28 minutes, and 29 seconds.
