The China Zheng-kai International Marathon was held in Zhengzhou, capital of Henan province, on March 27.

After 10 years' development, the number of runners has risen from 5,600 in 2007 to 49,000 this year, arriving from 32 different countries and regions, with more than 200 runners coming from Nanyang, a southwest city in Henan province.

According to the Nanyang Long-Distance Race Association, Executive President Peng Shizhong, a total of 29 and 127 Nanyang runners completed in the full and half marathon respectively.

The China Zheng-kai International Marathon is the only standing large-scale international sports event in Henan province and also the largest full marathon in central and western regions of China.

The contest is jointly sponsored by the Chinese Athletics Association, Henan Provincial Sports Bureau, Zhengzhou municipal people's government and Kaifeng municipal people's government. It is often held at the end of March or the beginning of April every year.

A total of 49,000 people take part in the China Zheng-kai International Marathon in Zhengzhou on March 27. [Photo by Lu Qian / Nanyang Evening News]

A runner lies on the ground to take photos during the race of the China Zheng-kai International Marathon on March 27. [Photo by Lu Qian / Nanyang Evening News]

Nanyang runners cross the finish line at the China Zheng-kai International Marathon on March 27. [Photo by Lu Qian / Nanyang Evening News]

Famous actor Wu Xiubo (R) makes an appearance to cheer on the players of the China Zheng-kai International Marathon on March 27. [Photo by Lu Qian / Nanyang Evening News]

Edited by Owen Fishwick