Zhanjiang in Guangdong province will host its first beach marathon on May 1, with more than 2,000 runners expected to take to the sand.

Held at Longhaitian tourism resort on Donghai Island, home to the longest beach in China, the 8-kilometer marathon will hear the starter's pistol on the afternoon of May 1.

From April 29 to May 2, a Zhanjiang Beach Tourism and Culture Festival will also be held at the resort with a variety of colorful cultural activities, said local officials.

The press conference for its first beach marathon and Zhanjiang Beach Tourism and Culture Festival. [Photo/yinsha.com]

The white sands at Longhaitian tourist resort, Donghai Island, Zhanjiang. [Photo/yinsha.com]