Baotou to host first international marathon

Baotou, the largest city of North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, is to host its first international marathon on Aug 18.

That’s according to information released at a press conference on June 18.

Organizers said there will be three categories: a full marathon, half marathon and mini marathon (about five kilometers).

Participants will start at Baotou Olympic Sports Center, and pass by famous city landmarks including the Baotou Grand Theater, Saihantala Park, Baogang Group offices and Arden Plaza.

To ensure participants’ safety, the organizing committee of the event will set up 20 medical ambulance points along the marathon routes.

A total of 60 portable defibrillators will be issued. Also, there will be 32 ambulances, 160 professional medical staff members and 460 medical volunteers on hand to help.

The mascot for Baotou First International Marathon is released at a press conference held on June 18 in Baotou, in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region. The mascot is the image of a deer, as Baotou is also known as Lucheng (the place with deer). [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The logo for the international marathon integrates design motifs with the representation of a deer leading the race. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Some of the scenery participants will witness along the marathon route. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Famous city landmarks can be seen along the marathon route, including Saihantala Park which boasts an urban grassland. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]