Runners showcase their medals after the 2018 Yiwu International Half Marathon. [Photo/WeChat account: yiwufb]

The 2019 Yiwu International Half Marathon will begin at the city's Meihu Stadium on Nov 17, according to a Nov 6 announcement by the organizing committee.

The marathon is being organized by the Chinese Athletes Association, the Sport Bureau of Zhejiang province, and the municipal government of Yiwu.

"This year marks the fifth anniversary of the Yiwu half marathon, which has been recognized by the Chinese Athletes Association as a silver medal race," said Luo Xiaojun, vice-mayor of Yiwu.

She added that the Yiwu half marathon is meant to promote low-carbon public transport and support the National Fitness Program, a five-year campaign approved by the State Council to encourage sports and fitness.

The 2019 race consists of a half marathon, a mini marathon, and a parent-child marathon. So far, 15,000 people have registered, 10.9 percent higher than last year.

More than 170 foreign runners from 25 countries, including Germany, Russia, and Italy, will compete in the race.

Notably, 5G network will be used to stream the race on sports.news.cn for the first time in Yiwu. TV audiences who have VR devices will be able to watch the runners from the comfort of their home.