The 2013 Xiamen International Marathon will be held on Jan 5, with more than 74,000 runners from 32 countries and regions registered for this year's event, according to the organizing committee.

More than 30 world-class competitors from 10 countries and regions, including Kenya, Ethiopia, and Russia, will participate.

Because of roadwork in the Dongdu area, the course for this year’s marathon will be slightly different, with a new turnaround point to be added at Dongdu Road, the organizing committee said.

The annual competition was first held in 2003 and sanctioned in 2007 as a Gold Label Road Race by the International Association of Athletics Federations. The marathon event is now renowned for its scenic seaside view.