Attendees had the opportunity to buy and enquire about top of the range running shoes, running clothes, and sport watches. Some thoughtful exhibitors even allowed customers to personalize their purchases by offering thermo print services.

The popularity of marathons in China has risen greatly in recent years and Beijing, Shanghai, Guizhou, Guangdong, Zhejiang, Liaoning, and Shandong all took the opportunity to promote their respective races with detailed course models and eye-catching memorabilia.

Staff dress in ethnic costumes to promote marathons events during the first China Marathon Expo in Xiamen, Fujian province, on Dec 30. [Photo by Wei Peiquan/Xinhua]

Medals of various marathon events taking place in China and abroad on display at the first China Marathon Expo in Xiamen, Fujian province, on Dec 30. [Photo by Wei Peiquan/Xinhua]