About 1,000 local runners take part in a three km mini beach marathon to enjoy the unique experience of racing on a beach. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A serial innovation beach marathon that combines sports with local culture and tourism was launched on April 22 in Clearwater Bay in Lingshui Li autonomous county on the eastern coast of tropical Hainan province.

About 1,000 local marathon amateurs took part in a three km mini beach marathon to enjoy the unique experience of racing on a beach and as a preparation for the innovative Agile Clearwater 2018 Lingshui International Beach Half Marathon Series scheduled for early December.

Organizer representatives launch the 2018 Lingshui International Beach Half Marathon Series. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] 

Attractive sea views, clear water, white sand, ridges, and spectacular stones make the Clearwater Bay a special place. Designed by leading sport teams, the world's first combination half marathon track of 11 kms of beach and about 10 kms of roadway follows 12 km of Lingshui’s most beautiful coastline. 

According to the organizers, Clearwater Bay is one of the three rare beaches where the sand can "sing". The other two with that special charm are located in Hawaii and Australia.

Jackie Wang, CEO of Shanghai Xing Bo Sports Consultation Co Ltd, introduces the marathon series' logo with Chinese national characteristics. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] 

There are 10 km and 2.5 km beach marathons for amateurs to choose from. Volunteers will be recruited nationwide for the event, said Jackie Wang, CEO of Shanghai Xing Bo Sports Consultation Co Ltd, one of the event organizers.                 

He said a total of about 20,000 people are expected to visit Lingshui and join the serial beach marathon events. Many of them will come from overseas, including countries that are participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.

A sponsor representative reveals the route of the 2018 Lingshui International Beach Half Marathon. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Celebrities from China and other countries will be invited to participate in public welfare activities to be held during the serial beach racing, according to the organizers.

Through introducing the international beach marathons, the organizers expect to establish a global platform to conduct international sports exchanges and show and better promote the Hainan li brocade culture, now protected as a world intangible cultural heritage, said officials with the Hainan Culture, TV, Publishing and Sports Bureau, which has co-organized the event.