Runners and spectators had an intimate experience on July 23 at this year's Guiyang International Marathon.

A major highlight of this year's race was the addition of an aerial map guide, replacing dull 2D maps. The aerial guide map presented participants with general information about slopes, curves and supply points along the track in a vivid style. The interactive map also enabled people to leave comments and cheer for runners virtually.

Zhao Xuemei, deputy chief of the Guiyang Sports Bureau, explained that the aerial guide map was the first one of its kind to adopt virtual reality technology.

Zhao added that the marathon is also the first to utilize big data and have completed Wi-Fi coverage along the entire course. Guizhou has begun cooperation talks to install the technology at an international marathon in Olympia, Greece, and Ottawa, Canada.

More than 25,000 people took part in the marathon, which included a 42-kilometer marathon, 21-kilometer half-marathon and 4.2-kilometer mini-marathon.

Screen shots of each section of the track were available to view at the marathon. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A screen shot of Shunhai Road on the aerial map guide. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

VR technology was a central part of this year’s marathon, making it extra special for runners and spectators alike. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Edited by Yang Fan and Jacob Hooson