The 2017 Wuxi International Marathon is set to retain many of the features of the previous editions of the popular race, including the beautiful racing route, which has been dubbed one of the most picturesque marathon circuits in the world.

The competition's gleaming pink vests and delicately designed finishers'medals have also returned for another year.

The delicate finishers'medals for the 2016 Wuxi International Marathon [Photo  provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

There will also be some big changes in 2017, as the organizers look to put more emphasis on the full marathon. The prizes for the top three finishers in the half marathon have been scrapped for 2017, and will be replaced by extra prizes for the top three Chinese finishers in the men's and women's full marathon, if they meet the required standards put forward by the Chinese Athletic Association.

The organizers have also allocated 3,000 extra places to the full marathon this year, and have removed the same number from the half marathon.

Another innovation for 2017 is a new timing system designed to crack down on runners illegally skipping to the front of the pack at the starting line. Sensors will be used to monitor the positions of the participants at the start of the race, and anyone who does not start in their assigned zone will be disqualified.