The year-end Hengqin Marathon 2019 has begun signups at www.hengqinmarathon.com and will continue accepting them until 5 pm Dec 8, it was announced at a press conference on Nov 18.

The marathon is scheduled Tuesday, Dec 31 to welcome in the New Year. The date may be adjusted to the prior weekend depending on the New Year's holiday arrangement to be released by the State Council.

Up to 4,000 full-marathon runners, 6,000 half-marathoners and 6,000 mini-marathon entrants will set off from Hengqin Financial Base at 7:30 am. Meanwhile, precisely 2,019 Macao runners will be invited to join the event in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Macao's Return to the Motherland.

Course for Hengqin Marathon 2019 [Photo courtesy WeChat account: zhuhaifabu]

The runners will pass through an array of local landmarks, tourist attractions, and key projects. These include the Hengqin Headquarters Building, Hengqin International Tennis Center, Hengqin Checkpoint, Phoenix Tree Tower, University of Macau's Hengqin Campus, Lionsgate Entertainment World, Sumlodol Hengqin Camping Town, Hengqin Flower Corridor, Tianmu River, Mangzhou Wetland Park, and Financial Island.

Last Dec 30, more than 12,000 competitors ran as Hengqin New Area welcomed Zhuhai's first full marathon.

Organizers of the marathon include the Chinese Athletics Association, Hengqin New Area Administrative Committee, and Huafa Group.

Categories and requirements:

Full-marathon: 42.195 km (26.219 miles)

Participants should be aged above 20

Fee: $30

Half-marathon: 21.0975 km (13.1 miles)

Participants should be aged above 16

Fee: $20

Mini-marathon: 5 km (3 miles)

No age limitation. Participants aged below 13 should be accompanied by guardians.

Fee: $15