The 2nd China Marathon Expo kicked off in the coastal city of Xiamen in Fujian province Thursday, three days prior to the 2018 Xiamen International Marathon.

The event, firstheld in Xiamen in 2016, promotes the healthy development of China's marathon industry as the number of running events being organized across the country continues to skyrocket.

The 2018 edition covers an area of 26,000 square meters and has attracted a total of 145 exhibitors from across the country.

In addition tothose for the marathon organizing committee, operators and service providers,other demonstration zones such as the "International Marathon Demonstration Zone" and the "Sports Tourism Demonstration Zone" have been added.

The expo is scheduled to run through Jan 6. A total of 40 activities will also be held onthe sidelines of the expo, including a marathon industry forum, sharing sessions, lectures and product launches.

Xiamen, the hostcity of the expo and the Xiamen International Marathon, one of China's premier running events, was given the honorary title of "Marathon City" bythe China Athletic Association, the first such designation in the country.