Around 15,000 people have registered to participate in Baotou city’s first international marathon, which will begin on Aug 18, according to local media.

Participants come from 33 provinces, autonomous regions, and cities including Beijing, Shanghai, and Inner Mongolia autonomous region, as well as 11 foreign countries including the USA, UK, and Germany.

The event will include a full marathon, half marathon, and mini marathon (about five kilometers).

Runners will set off from the Baotou Olympic Sports Center and pass by some of the city’s famous landmarks, including the Baotou Grand Theater, Saikhantal Park, Baogang Group, and Arden Plaza.

To ensure the safety of participants, 20 medical points will be set up along the marathon routes.

A total of 60 portable defibrillators will be issued, and 32 ambulances, 160 professional medical workers, and 460 medical volunteers will be on hand for emergencies.

The logo for the international marathon depicts a deer leading the race. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The mascot for the Baotou First International Marathon was released at a press conference held on June 18 in Baotou, in North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region. The mascot is a deer, as Baotou is also known as Lucheng (“Deer City”). [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]