The 2nd China Marathon Expo kicked off in the coastal city of Xiamen in Fujian province Thursday, three days prior to the 2018 Xiamen International Marathon.

The event, first held in Xiamen in 2016, promotes the healthy development of China's marathon industry as the number of running events being organized across the country continues to skyrocket.

The 2018 edition covers an area of 26,000 square meters and has attracted a total of 145 exhibitors from across the country.

In addition to those for the marathon organizing committee, operators and service providers, other demonstration zones such as the "International Marathon Demonstration Zone" and the "Sports Tourism Demonstration Zone" have been added.

The expo is scheduled to run through Jan 6. A total of 40 activities will also be held on the sidelines of the expo, including a marathon industry forum, sharing sessions, lectures and product launches.

Xiamen, the host city of the expo and the Xiamen International Marathon, one of China's premier running events, was given the honorary title of "Marathon City" by the China Athletic Association, the first such designation in the country.

A staff member introduces sport watches to visitors at the 2nd China Marathon Expo in Xiamen, Fujian province. [Photo/Xinhua]