Half-marathon in China offers cow as top prize. Other prizes include chickens, rice & ducks

The marathon featured a 21-kilometer half-marathon and a 5-kilometer health run. (Representational)

A half-marathon in China’s northeastern Jilin province has gone viral for its unconventional prize offerings. The event, held in Nong’an county, awarded a live cow to the top finisher, with runners-up walking away with wild fish, chickens, and ducks.

Organised in December, the marathon featured a 21-kilometer half-marathon and a 5-kilometer health run. It wasn’t just the winners who were celebrated—participants who placed between fourth and 20th received a goose or rooster, while those ranking below 30th were handed prizes like 10 kilograms of rice or wheat flour.

The decision to award a cow as the top prize was a deliberate nod to the region’s agricultural roots, according to the organisers. "Indeed, the top prize this year is a cow. Last year, we offered wild fish as the top prize, with second-place winners receiving chickens and ducks," an event representative told South China Morning Post.

This year’s winner had the option to take home the cow or exchange it for 6,000 yuan (approximately Rs 68,000).

This marathon is part of a broader trend sweeping across China, where fitness events in smaller cities and rural areas are incorporating regional elements to attract participants. According to the "2023 China Road Running Races Blue Book," 622 marathons and half-marathons were held nationwide last year, signalling a rising interest in fitness and social interaction.

From live geese awarded at the Lu’an Marathon in Anhui province to chickens and sheep featured at Guizhou’s "Village Super League" football finals, such prizes have added a distinct local flavour to these events.