The 2023 Quzhou Marathon draws athletes from across the globe. [Photo/app.qz123.com]

The Quzhou Marathon was recently honored with the Road Race Label for 2024 by World Athletics, as reported by local media on Jan 30.

A total of 117 events worldwide, including six selected from Zhejiang province, have been given the coveted Road Race Label distinction from World Athletics this year.

The fact that the Quzhou Marathon has been selected for the 2024 World Athletics Label Road Race is a high recognition of the event, noted Yu Tianpeng, director of the Quzhou Sports Development Center.

The Quzhou Marathon has successfully held seven editions since 2016. The race course passes through the Shuitingmen Historical and Cultural Block and the Smart New City, providing top-notch services for the participants.

Additionally, a spacious post-race leisure area has been created around Xin'an Lake, showcasing the harmonious blend of the ancient city and the new urban area.

Road Race Label accreditation from World Athletics carries with it higher requirements for the organization and operation of the Quzhou Marathon.

For instance, the 2024 Quzhou Marathon will be required to invite a minimum of six elite World Athletics athletes to participate - three male and three female. The total prize money for the event will be significantly increased, with the first-place prize money reaching over $10,000.

Furthermore, there will be corresponding upgrades to the race course design, race support stations, and medical care provisions.

Quzhou has previously hosted three internationally recognized events - the Quzhou Lanke Cup International Go Open, the Quzhou Marathon, and the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship.