The 2017 Zhangjiagang International Marathon began at Century Square in the beautiful port city of Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu province on Dec 3. More than 10,000 marathon enthusiasts from 21 countries took part in the race.

It is the first time that Zhangjiagang has hosted this kind of event with a gold medal standard. It is also an A-class competition that Zhangjiagang has registered for the first time with the Chinese Athletics Association.

Here are some highlights from the event.

The starting gun cuts through the biting morning air at Zhangjiagang Century Square at 7:30 am as the 2017 Zhangjiagng International Marathon begins on Dec 3. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A drone surveys the scene at the full marathon. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]