Ten of thousands of runners from 21 countries across the world braved the winter chill to compete in the 2017 Zhangjiagang Marathon on Dec 3.

Hosted by Zhangjiagang municipal government, Jiangsu Sports Association and the Chinese Athletics Association, the event marks the first time the city is hosting a marathon with the Chinese Athletics Association.

The race begins and ends at Century Square, a landmark of the port city. The route covers some scenic spots, offering runners a chance to enjoy the city's riverside landscape.

When the starting pistol sounded, more than 1,300 volunteers started serving runners along the road, handing out supplies and cheering them on. Photographers also captured the best moments at points along the route.

Chepmwok Eliud from Kenya won the men's full marathon while Chelagat Jane from Ethiopia came in first in the women's marathon. Chinese runner Liu Hongliang and Hao Xiaofan were the winners of the half marathon.

The organizers also provided ginger soup, finisher memory cards, a free on-site photo printing for the top 30 winners and other services to warm runners.

Zhangjiagang officials fire the starting pistol. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]