Xiamen International Marathon, China

It is often called the Garden City due to the beautiful scenery in which it is set and its diverse botanical assets. With the distinctive folk customs of Fujian and Taiwan much in evidence throughout the city it is a place not only renowned for its environment but also its seafood, an inclusive culture and its southeast-Asian architecture.

Hugely popular with tourists Gulang Island lies just two miles off the coast of Xiamen. The history of this area is represented in its buildings which display characteristics of both Chinese and Western architecture. The island is also referred to as the World Architecture Museum and is soon to be listed as a World Heritage Site.

Located just a two-hour car journey from Xiamen are the unique earth buildings of Hakka (tulou), which have already been designated a World Heritage Site.

The Xiamen International Marathon is held every January when the typical daytime temperatures are 17C–20C and the average relative humidity is 62%, making it the most favourable time of year for distance running. Most of the course follows the city’s ring road, offering runners a relatively straight route with modest gradients as well as a picturesque setting and usually a cooling sea breeze.

Kenya’s Moses Mosop set the current course record of 2:06:19 in 2015 which is also the Chinese all-comer’s record. That same year Mare Dibaba — the bronze medal winner in the marathon at the 2016 Rio Olympics — took first place with a record time of 2:19: 52.

Xiamen International Marathon has held an IAAF Gold Label for the last nine years.

The 2017 edition is the 15th anniversary race and to celebrate and raise further awareness of the event both at home and abroad the city will be holding the 1st China Marathon Expo.

The Garden City cordially invites friends from all over the globe to participate in the 2017 Xiamen International Marathon.

See: www.xmim.org/en
Facebook/Twitter: @xiamenmarathon