2nd Int'l Forum of Mayors of Marathon Host Cities held in China

XIAMEN, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- The 2nd International Forum of Mayors of Marathon Host Cities was held at the Xiamen International Convention Center here on Saturday.

The theme is Marathon and humanity concern.

The forum, co-organized by the Xiamen Municipal Government and Chinese Athletics Association, aims to exchange experience on hosting the race and discuss influences of the race over the host cities.

The guests invited for this forum include mayors of marathon host cities like Marathon City in Greece, Prague in Czech Republic and so on, officials of the organizing committee, officials of IAAF, and delegates of organizing committee of world-renowned marathon races.

The forum mainly discussed the relations between marathon movement and city construction, good service to the athletes, prevention from the hurt in sports, body recovery after race, medical organizing, volunteer training and so on.

The 8th Xiamen International Marathon Race started on Saturday. Thousands of runners lined up to take on the challenge. The race is renowned for its charming seaside scenic course and wide participation of ordinary citizens.