Helong is a border town in northeast China with a population of 220,000. Even its mayor Jin Lie admitted that the small town sitting next to DPR Korea was barely known in China. But Helong managed to enter the marathon family in 2012 and took the chance to showcase their culture of Korean ethnic group to boost tourism.
In bustling metropolis like Shanghai, marathon has found its way to tune up with the city culture. A total of 5,223 overseas entrants from 76 countries and regions ran in the 2012 Shanghai International Marathon.
"Marathon is not only just a sport event any more. It helps to define our city and to build our city's character," said Zhang Ming, a senior officer from the Shanghai Sports Bureau.
Although city marathons have helped a lot of people to adjust to a healthier lifestyle, running in a marathon without adequate preparation can be dangerous.
Two young man died from heart failure after falling unconscious during the first edition of Guangzhou Marathon last November. The tragedies impelled the CAA to introduce stricter rules to regulate the race organizers.
Wang Lixin, a medical consultant for the Beijing International Marathon, was invited to give a speech during the Annual Conference to share experience on medical care and assistance.
"We must pay more attention to medical care and volunteer training," said CAA deputy chief Du. "The determination to develop marathon in China shall not change. While sticking to the principle of 'people first and scientific development', I believe city marathon will have a brighter future in China."
Temperatures recorded since the end of November have marked the lowest to hit China in 28 years
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