"Marathon is not only just a sport event any more. It helps to define our city and to build our city's character," said Zhang Ming, a senior officer from the Shanghai Sports Bureau.

Although city marathons have helped a lot of people to adjust to a healthier lifestyle, running in a marathon without adequate preparation can be dangerous.

Two young man died from heart failure after falling unconscious during the first edition of Guangzhou Marathon last November. The tragedies impelled the CAA to introduce stricter rules to regulate the race organizers.

Wang Lixin, a medical consultant for the Beijing International Marathon, was invited to give a speech during the Annual Conference to share experience on medical care and assistance.

"We must pay more attention to medical care and volunteer training," said CAA deputy chief Du. "The determination to develop marathon in China shall not change. While sticking to the principle of 'people first and scientific development', I believe city marathon will have a brighter future in China."