Yixing Marathon features purple clay medals

The first Yixing International Marathon will be held on April 15 in Yixing, Jiangsu province, the home of purple clay. The course includes a combination of natural and urban scenery. [Photo/WeChat account: yixingfabu2015]

The organizers of the 2018 Yixing International Marathon convened for a press conference on April 2, 12 days prior to the race.

This marks the first time that Yixing, the home of purple clay, has held a marathon, and it hopes to become "the most beautiful marathon course in China". The course passes through many scenic spots and historical landmarks, including Tuanjiu Lake, Dongjiu Lake and Longbeishan Forest Park.

Routes designed for the 2018 Yixing International Marathon, which is set to take place on April 15. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The Yixing International Marathon allows participants to choose between the full marathon (42.195 km), half marathon (21.095 km), and mini marathon (5 km). This allows both professional and amateur runners to take part in the event.

The number of participants is expected to reach 10,000 this year, with 1,000 spots allocated for the full marathon, 2,000 for the half marathon, and 6,000 for the mini marathon.

Facial recognition technology will be used to help prevent cheating and provide other services during the marathon.

The medal for the 2018 Yixing International Marathon has already been designed. It embodies the city's charm and profound cultural background, and includes a picture of a purple clay teapot.

The medals are made of a special kind of purple clay from Yixing, given to everyone who completes the marathon.

The medal for the 2018 Yixing International Marathon, made of special purple clay, features a purple clay teapot as its primary visual element. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]