The 2019 Xiamen Ironman 70.3 Contest kicks off in Xiamen, Fujian province on Nov 10. [Photo/people.com.cn]

The 2019 Xiamen Ironman 70.3 Contest kicked off in Xiamen, Fujian province on Nov 10, with more than 1,500 people from 52 countries and regions participating.

An Ironman 70.3, also known as a Half Ironman, is one of a series of long-distance triathlon races organized by the World Triathlon Corporation. 

After running for three hours and 44 minutes, Marten Van Riel from Belgium won the professional men's division, while Ashleigh Gentle from Australia won the professional women's division.

Participants raced a total distance of 113 kilometers, including 1.9 km of swimming, 90 km of cycling, and 21.1 km of running. The course ran along the sea, offering subtropical maritime scenery and giving competitors a chance to appreciate the beauty of Xiamen's coast.

An exhibition of marathon medals from around the world is held during the event. [Photo/people.com.cn]

Over the past few years, Xiamen has been carrying out the Healthy China 2030 Initiative in an effort to promote physical fitness and mental health. The city has been working to develop its sports industry, which has been growing rapidly in recent years.