China's first 50-kilometer ultramarathon in urban areas is set to take place in Lishui, Zhejiang province on March 31.

An ultramarathon is a footrace longer than the traditional marathon length of 42.195 kilometers. The most common distances are 50 km, 100 km, 50 miles (80.4672 km) and 100 miles (160.9344 km).

The 2019 Lishui Ultramarathon has been authenticated by the International Association of Ultrarunners and is being jointly hosted by the Chinese Athletic Association, Zhejiang Sports Bureau and Lishui Municipal People's Government.

A total of 12,000 runners will participate in the marathon events, including 28 foreign participants from eight countries such as Germany, Mexico, Singapore and France.

Lu Cailiu, vice mayor of Lishui and executive director of the event's organizing committee said at a news conference that the race will go past some of the most distinctive natural scenery of the city, including a greenway along the Oujiang River.

"Over the past few years, Lishui has been dedicated to ecological and green development," Lu said, adding that the ultramarathon event will be a comprehensive demonstration of the city's natural, economic and social progress.