Intl marathon to be held in Bama county

The news conference of the 2018 Bama International Marathon is held in Bama county in Hechi, Guangxi on July 10. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The 2018 Bama International Marathon will be held on Oct 21 in the Bama Yao autonomous county in Hechi, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, according to a news conference held on July 10.

The event will be conducted in strict accordance with marathon A-race standards. It has a theme of "Healthy Bama, leading the future", which aims to promote international exchanges between marathoners and increase Bama's global reputation and influence.

Applications for the marathon will start on July 15 and end at 5:00 pm on Aug 14. With a total prize amount of 138,200 yuan ($20,732), the event will feature men & women full marathons (42.195 km), men & women half marathons (21.098 km) and a "Happy Run".

In order to show the picturesque views of Bama, and ensure the athletes will fully feel the charm of Bama through its landscape and cultural characteristics, the track follows the county's roads and avenues.

As a world-famous longevity village, Bama makes full use of its unique resources and geographical advantages, and devotes itself to setting up world-class tourism sites, including the Bama International Tourist Resort. Meanwhile, Bama is enhancing economic transformation and upgrading by energetically developing the tourism industry. The marathon will boost that industry and publicize Bama to the world.

The event is co-sponsored by the Chinese Athletics Association, the Sport Bureau of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and the Hechi municipal people's government.