In recent years, the running trend has gripped China, pushed by the rise of the middle class.

A report published by the Chinese Athletic Association in January shows that 1,102 marathons were held in the country last year, from 22 in 2011, and the number of participants had risen from 400,000 to 4.98 million.

The association said it would continue to improve the marathon management system, and would strive to hold more than 1,900 races by 2020, generating revenue of 120 billion yuan ($17.4 million).