International Marathon, Dalian

Dalian is a beautiful city located in the North Eastern part of China. The city celebrates a number of important festivals throughout the year and the International Marathon is one such important festival.

The city of Dalian is famous for its sport in China. The city has been home to numerous world track and field events. The city has also produced a number of world class athletes such as Ms. Wang Junxia who won gold and a silver medal at the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996. She was also the recipient of the Owens Awards, the first Asian who won the honor.

The International Marathon of Dalian has been organized every year since 1987. The race has traditionally been held on the last Sunday of the month of October and remains a very special event not only for its citizens but also athletes from all over the world. Thousands of athletes and amateurs from home and abroad participate in the International Marathon every year. Athletes from more than 20 countries and regions have come to Dalian for this great event. The Marathon was upgraded to an international event in 1997 after it was approved by the World Track & Field League.

The marathon is sponsored by the Dalian Municipal Government with the help and support of the All Nippon Airline enterprise and a number of other institutions.

The prize money at the International Marathon in Dalian has been increasing with each possible year. The winners of the men's and women's full marathons take home thousands of dollars as prize money each year. The marathon has a number of pro athletes taking part but an overwhelming majority of the participants are amateurs.

The Dalian International Marathon witnessed more than 10000 participants actively taking part in the race. Several international stars such as Ma Lijun and Zhu Xiaolin have graced the marathon over the years.