体坛英语新闻：Over 20,000 runners register for Taiyuan Marathon, say organizers

TAIYUAN, China, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) --- Over 20,000 people have registered for the 2013 Taiyuan International Marathon, said the organizing committee here on Tuesday.

According to Gao Bo, vice director of the organizing committee, from July 19 to September 13, the scheduled expiration date for application, over 20,000 runners have registered either online or on site.

"The number of applicants for marathon and half marathon have exceeded those in the past three years. After the expiration date, some still hope to take part in the event," said Gao.

The total number will be released at the press conference on September 27, one day before the event kicks off.

In 2012, the event witnessed a total of 15,046 runners from 13 countries and regions. Jiang Xiaoli claimed the title of the women's competition, becoming the first Chinese women champion, while an Ethiopian runner was crowned in the men's competition by breaking the event record.

This year, the event will attract more runners from abroad, and 36 athletes from 14 countries, including Kenya, Germany and Canada, have been invited, said the organizing committee.

The 2013 Taiyuan International Marathon features men's and women's marathon, men's and women's half marathon and mini marathon.