The Wuxi International Marathon wins the Gold Label Road Race at the Marathon Gala-China 2015 event. [Photo from Wuxi Daily]

The Wuxi International Marathon won the Gold Label Road Race at the Marathon Gala-China 2015 event on Jan 9 in Guangzhou, reported the Wuxi Daily.

Fifteen marathons were awarded the title, including the Beijing, Shanghai, and Xiamen international marathons.

The number of marathons and road running races hosted or co-hosted by the Chinese Athletics Association (CAA) last year reached 134, 160 percent more than in 2014, CAA vice president Du Zhaocai announced on Saturday.

"The 134 events included 53 marathons, 43 half marathons and 13 10-kilometer road races, 83 more than the number in 2014, attracting 1,500,000 participants from nearly 90 countries and regions," said Du at the China Marathon Conference held here.

"In 2010, there were only a total of 13 marathons, and now it has increased 10 times," Du added.

According to Du, marathons in China have been held in four municipalities and 79 cities in 23 provinces and autonomous regions.

The Wuxi International Marathon is the only full marathon held in Jiangsu province.

Fifteen marathons were awarded the Gold Label Road Race, including the Beijing, Shanghai, and Xiamen international marathons. [Photo from Wuxi Daily]

The event includes men's and women's full marathon events (42.195 km), men's and women's half marathon events (21.0975 km), and a mini marathon (4.5 km).

In 2015, Wuxi came fourth on the list of China's top marathon destinations, based on opinions of runners and judges, according to Runner's magazine.

Judges raved about the Wuxi international marathon for its thoughtful services, attention to detail, adequate security, professional running and track design, and beautiful scenery featuring glistening lakes and colorful mountains.

The circular route passes through many local cultural and natural landmarks, including the national 5A scenic spot of Yuantouzhu Garden, a hundred-meter fountain, Jiangnan University, the Wuxi Taihu International Expo Center, the Wuxi Municipal government, the Wuxi Grand Theatre and the Taihu Star Amusement Park.

The judges said that runners feel as if they are running in a painting and experience distinctive local customs.