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SHANGHAI, March 20(Xinhua) -- The number of marathons and road running races registered in the Chinese Athletics Association (CAA) last year reached 328, nearly a 150% increase compared to the year 2015, CAA vice president Du Zhaocai announced here on Monday.
"The 328 events included 125 marathons, 128 half marathons and 75 other running races, covering 133 cities and 30 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, attracting 2,800,000 participants, 1,300,000 more than the previous year," said Du at the China Marathon Conference.
"In 2011, there were only a total of 22 marathons, and now it has increased 14 times," Du added.
According to Du, CAA aims to host more than 400 marathons and road running races in 2017.
"Now we can say that the marathon has become the most popular competition in China, which contributes to promoting healthy lifestyles," Du remarked.
