Registration for the 2017 Changsha International Marathon opened on Aug 24, it was announced at a press conference held by the event's organizing committee at the Helong Sports Center, Changsha.

It will be the second time the marathon has been held in the Hunan province capital, sponsored by the Chinese Athletics Association, Hunan Sports Bureau and Changsha Municipal People's Government.

Around 20,000 runners are expected to register to compete across four categories this year – the full marathon (42.20 kilometers), half marathon (21.10 km), 5 km mini-run and happy run.

The running route is likely to start from and end at Helong Sports Center and wind its way through most of the Hunan province capital's natural landscape, landmark buildings and red tourism attractions. Athletes will be able to get a running view of the Xiangjiang River scenic belt, Orange Island, Yuelu Mountain scenic area, Meixi Lake, and the Yanghu Wetland Park.

To better prepare for the marathon and enhance the awareness of fitness, the organizing committee will also hold several training sessions, elite qualification trials and a marathon expo before the competition kicks off, Changsha Evening News reported.

The 2016 Changsha International Marathon attracted 20,000 competitors from 14 countries and regions across the globe. [Photo/icswb.com]

Awarded as a "silver star" tournament in March this year, the Changsha International Marathon presents as a good platform to promote the city's prestige and boost local red tourism.

The last Changsha International Marathon drew about 20,000 runners from 14 countries and regions including Russia, Kenya, Ethiopia, the United Kingdom, and the United States – with Kaleab Selomon Ghilagabr from Eritrea, in East Africa, coming in first with a time of 2 hours 15 minutes and 2 seconds.

For more information about this year's marathon, people can also follow the official Changsha International Marathon's WeChat and Weibo accounts.