Beijing and Shanghai also organize annual international marathons, but the air pollution in recent years has discouraged many from racing. During last year's Beijing Marathon, some runners wore gas masks and carried posters calling for blue skies while running through the Chinese capital.

In contrast, the Gold Coast Marathon lures Chinese tourists with its spectacular beach views. While most famous marathons are held in cities, the Gold Coast Marathon is set along sunny, golden beaches.

"Air pollution is a pretty scary thing for those who consider running the marathon here in Beijing," says Cheng Yang, a 34-year-old media professional in Beijing who has run 19 IAAF-awarded marathons, including the Gold Coast's.

The marathon began offering announcements and services in Chinese this year for the growing number of Chinese participants. It has also opened a Greater China Resting Lounge for runners from China.

Pan adds that promotions in the future will combine marathons with leisure travel by offering more discounts on air tickets and hotels.

Su Qinsheng, a 61-year-old retiree from East China's Shandong province, participated in this year's Gold Coast Marathon. It was the 166th marathon for Su, who has previously run marathons in New York, Boston and Athens.

Su says the marathon was his first visit to Australia. Though he doesn't speak English, Su feels language is not a problem. He managed to navigate the whole trip using an electronic dictionary and maps.

For Cheng, the Beijing media worker, running overseas marathons is about more than just achieving a personal best time. "I've been to the Gold Coast marathon before, and this year I brought my child to enjoy the beautiful scenery there," he says.

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