The Wuxi International Marathon has entered a new stage: drawing lots. The draw was held in the city's Sports Park on Jan 5.

The marathon, with the theme "Running in pictures", is co-organized by the Chinese Athletic Association, the Jiangsu Sports Bureau and the Wuxi government.

To guarantee fair, open and transparent treatment, the Wuxi Notary Office witnesses the drawing process. [Photo/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

This year, the event will welcome 30,000 people, half in the full marathon, 10,000 in the half marathon and 5,000 in the mini marathon. By the end of last year, the number of people wishing to participate had reached nearly 50,000, far surpassing the expected number, which forced the event to enter the new era of drawing lots.

According to the event rules, some athletes, sponsor staffs, media crews and public benefit organization members will be given direct qualifications --- 5,588 in the full marathon and 2,703 in the half marathon.

The Wuxi International Marathon attracts many people every year. [Photo/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

To guarantee fair, open and transparent treatment, the Wuxi Notary Office witnessed the drawing process. Except for those gaining direct qualifications, a total of 16,234 people were in the draw for the 9,412 positions in the full marathon, and 22,336 people competed for the 7,297 positions in the half marathon.

The event organizer had notified all the participants as of Jan 6 to announce the draw results. People can also go to the event's official website to check detailed information.

The Wuxi International Marathon is popular among both professional athletes and?amateur runners. [File Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]