GUANGZHOU - The number of marathons and road running races hosted or co-hosted by the Chinese Athletics Association (CAA) last year reached 134, which was a 160% increase compared to the year 2014, CAA vice president Du Zhaocai announced here on Saturday.

"The 134 events included 53 marathons, 43 half marathons and 13 10-kilometer road running, 83 more than the number in 2014, attracting 1,500,000 participants from nearly 90 countries and regions," said Du at the China Marathon Conference held here.

"In 2010, there were only a total of 13 marathons, and now it has increased 10 times," Du added.

According to Du, the marathons in China has covered the four municipalities and 79 cities in 23 provinces and autonomous regions.

Du said: "Now we can say that marathon has become the most popular competition in China which contributes to promoting a healthy lifestyle."