"In 2010 the CAA held 12 marathons, and in 2011 the number rose to 22. Last year we held 33 races including seven half marathons as well as three fun runs."
Apart from the growth in the number of the races, the size and standard have been raised. According to Du, 17 of the 33 marathons attracted more than 10,000 entrants and the Xiamen International Marathon last January even registered a record of 74,000 participants.
Moreover, the Yangzhou Jianzhen International Half Marathon was upgraded by IAAF as the Gold Label Road Race last year following the Beijing Marathon and Xiamen International Marathon which both have been enjoying the honor for five straight years.
"Eleven new city marathons were launched in 2012, and now another 10 cities have submitted their bids to the CAA to start marathon races in 2013. If everything goes well, we will have some 40 races this year, and our plan is to reach 50 in three years," said an optimistic Du.
Du's optimism was shared by CAA chief Duan Shijie as he believes the prosperity of marathon roots in its special functions in the national fitness program.
"Marathon can well reflect the concept of serving the public," said Duan. "The races are not limited to professional runners. People from all walks of life and of different ages can participate, enjoying the fun of running as well as the festive atmosphere. "
Duan, however, was still not satisfied with the development in China.
"In fact, in terms of the number of marathon races, we still have a long way to go," he said.
Temperatures recorded since the end of November have marked the lowest to hit China in 28 years
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