KUNMING, China, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Nearly 8,000 runners from 36 countries and regions took part in the 2018 Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Luoping in Qujing, a city in Southwest China's Yunnan Province.

Chinese competitor Yu Xiaoyi from Nanjing Normal University was the first man to break the tape, while Wang Xiaohua was crowned champion of the women's race on Saturday.

Luoping, located in southwestern China's Yunnan province, is known as the Eastern Garden for its sea of splendid rapeseed flowers that blossom in the spring. Music was played at 5 posts along the route, allowing runners to rock out from beginning to end.

"I have run many marathons around the world, but this Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Luoping surprised me with its world-class organization and considerate service," women's half-marathon runner-up Tan Wenjuan said.

"The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon is a famous international sporting event with local characteristics. Our successful holding of this tournament not only promotes mass sports but also promotes our city as a worldwide famous tourist attraction," secretary of the Luoping county Party committee Lu Pinhong said.