Xiamen Marathon to celebrate 10th anniversary

The 2012 Xiamen International Marathon is to be kicked off on January 7th with a series of culture events to celebrate its 10th anniversary.During a news conference here on Friday, the organizers revealed that the 2012 Xiamen Marathon will consist of five competing events, including the international marathon race, national marathon points race, wheel-chair half marathon race, 12-km roller skating race and city invitational marathon race across the straits.The International Marathon race alone will include four categories which are full marathon, half marathon, 10-km and 5-km races. And a total of 80,000 runners are expected to participate in the races.The winners of men's and women's full marathon will win 40,000 U.S. dollars each. The runner who can manage to renew the course record will bag 100,000 U.S. dollars and the prize for the world-record breaking feat is one million U.S. dollars.Apart from the competing events, a series of culture events will also be arranged, such as the Marathon Flame Lighting Ceremony and the marathon city mayors seminar.During the 2012 Xiamen Marathon, a New Year Sailing tournament will also be held. So that as the runners running alone the coast, the boats will also be sailing on sea, creating a scenic picture for the TV audience.Launched in 2003, Xiamen International Marathon race has emerged into a top level race in China. During the four years from 2008 to 2011, Xiamen International Marathon was consecutively awarded as IAAF Gold Road Race.