China's top athletics official has called for more people to take part in marathons in a bid to curb decreasing fitness levels among young people.

"Long distance races help improve vital capacity and stamina. We should make more efforts to popularize such races," said Luo Chaoyi, director of the Track and Field Administrative Center, in a speech at last weekend's Xiamen International Marathon.

"Races like the Xiamen Marathon are an important part of mass participation before the 2008 Beijing Olympics. They help people stay physically and mentally healthy. As well as the participants, the host city and sponsors can benefit from the increasing popularity and marketing potential."

The first marathon in China took place in Beijing in 1981, but now long-distance races are happening all across the country.

International marathons in Xiamen, Shanghai, Dalian and Beijing have been recognized by the Association of International Marathons and Road Races (AIMS) and draw an increasing number of professionals and amateurs from home and abroad.

"China has about 780 million rural people. It is easier for them to take part in long-distance races as they don't require much in terms of facilities or venues," said Liu.

"Races like marathons also provide a platform for professionals and amateurs to join in. It is appealing for ordinary people to compete with the world's top marathon runners. I am sure marathons will become more and more popular in China."

Last weekend's marathon in Xiamen, Fujian Province, attracted a record 24,500 participants.

Professional runners and amateurs from 48 countries and regions ran in the event, with ages ranging from 13 to 90.

Scenic route

Starting at Xiamen International Conference and Exhibition Centre, which faces Quemoy Island, the runners enjoyed a beautiful course around the scenic Island Ring Road.

Along streets lined with trees and flowers and cooled by the sea breeze, participants ran past Xiamen University, Nanputuo Temple and eight more of Xiamen's scenic spots.

"The rapid development of the Xiamen Marathon is amazing," said Hiroaki Chosa, president of AIMS.

There were eight race categories, including men's and women's marathon (42.195km), half marathon, 10km race and 5km race. The men's and women's marathon also served as the National Marathon Championships, with the top three athletes qualifying for the World Championships in Osaka, Japan in July.

When asked to compare the Xiamen Marathon with more prestigious races in London, New York and Boston, Hiroaki said it is just a matter of time before Xiamen catches up.

"Xiamen marathon is still young. To become a major international tournament like London and New York, Xiamen will have to attract about 20,000 to 30,000 people who will complete the full-distance."

In order to attract more runners, the organizers also held events such as a relay marathon, challenger games for students, a photography contest and a sports expo.

With the level of competition and popularity rising every year, the Xiamen marathon is gaining increasing international status.

To highlight the importance of the event, the 25th annual AIMS World Congress was held in the city.

The Berlin Sports Museum (AIMS Marathon Museum of Running) also presented an exhibition on the history of AIMS and running to participants, the media and visitors.

AIMS has recently begun promoting running for children and young people, an effort it will step up in the future. It is currently supporting children's races in Asia and Africa.

"It is spectacular to see over 20,000 people running together. I hope more and more cities will host similar races that will have all the residents involved," said Liu Peng, minister of the State General Administration of Sports.

Home improvement

China's professional long-distance runners also benefit a lot from the increasingly competitive race.

Male athlete Li Zhuhong edged out two opponents from Kenya to clinch his first Xiamen title with a winning time of 2 hours 13 minutes and 17 seconds. It is the first time a local male athlete has stood on top of the podium in the event.

Luo paid tribute to Li's breakthrough, saying it would encourage other runners.

"Although Li's result was not as good as the world's top level, it was also almost one minute shy of his personal best. But it is encouraging news for us. Male runners from Africa have been the dominant forces in China's major international marathons. Li's victory tells fellow runners that as long as they train right, Chinese athletes can win."

In the women's race, Zhu Xiaolin from Liaoning province lead Chinese runners to a clean sweep.

(China Daily April 7, 2007)