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Some 24,000 participants from all over the world took part in the 2019 Wuhan Marathon. (Picture: Xiao Yijiu/Xinhua)

Wuhan canceled its marathon so China’s runners raced virtually

Social distancing means athletes are now competing from home with the help of workout apps and fitness wearables

This article originally appeared on ABACUS
The Wuhan Marathon, originally set for this past weekend, was postponed because of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. So instead, runners in China took part in the Wuhan Online Marathon.
Participants could run at any place of their choosing on April 12, using any workout apps to keep track of distance and time. Nearly 70,000 users joined the race using the Keep fitness app, according to new figures from the company. About 41,000 users attained a virtual medal for completing either a half or full marathon. While many contestants who blogged on Weibo said they ran outside, Keep said nearly half of its participating users finished the race indoors.
Sports enthusiasts are trying to catch up with their racing routines even as social distancing keeps them apart. Ironman, which organizes some of the world’s biggest sporting events like the Ironman Triathlon and is owned by China's Wanda Group, has been holding a “virtual racing series.” Pros and amateurs run, swim and bike from home by syncing their wearable devices to Ironman’s platform.
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