2017 Wuxi Marathon wins national honor

The 2017 Wuxi Marathon was awarded the Gold Label Road Race Award by the Chinese Athletic Association at the China 2017 Marathon Gala. [Photo provided by organizing committee of Wuxi Marathon]

The Wuxi Marathon was awarded the Gold Label Road Race Award last year by the Chinese Athletic Association for its contribution to the development of marathons in China.

This marks the third time that the Wuxi Marathon has received this honor since 2014. The development of the Wuxi Marathon is just one example of how fast the marathon has been growing in China in recent years.

A total of 286,000 people gathered for the Wuxi Marathon in 2017, over one-third of which came from outside the city, and they brought a total of 1.43 million yuan ($0.23 million) to Wuxi, an increase of 20.2 percent from last year.

The Wuxi Marathon is the only full-length marathon held in Jiangsu province. The marathon route passes through many scenic spots and historic landmarks, making it one of the most picturesque marathon circuits in the world.

Thousands of runners form a river of pink as the 2017 Wuxi Marathon is launched in Wuxi, Jiangsu province on March 19. Pink was designated as the official color of the race. [Photo provided by organizing committee of Wuxi Marathon]

Wuxi ranked fourth on the list of China's top marathon destinations in 2015. Today, the Wuxi Marathon is the city's most iconic marathon and one of the most significant marathons in the world.

In 2015, an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) was used to save the life of a participant in the Wuxi Marathon, marking the first time the device has been used in any Chinese marathon.. The on-site first aid team promptly responded when a runner suffered sudden cardiac arrest during the race.

The fifth Wuxi Marathon will be held on Mar 25, 2018, a week later than last year's date, in order to take full advantage of the beautiful spring scenery and cherry blossoms that dot the landscape at this time of year. This year, 20,000 people are expected to participate in the full marathon, 7,000 in the half marathon, and 3,000 in the mini marathon.

Related:

2016 Wuxi International Marathon: http://www.wuxinews.com.cn/2015wxmarathon.html

2017 Wuxi International Marathon: http://www.wuxinews.com.cn/2017wxmarathon.html