The 2017 Suzhou Taihu International Marathon went underway Saturday in the new and hi-tech zone of Suzhou. The competition attracted 30,000 runners from China, the United States, Germany and Canada and 21 other countries and regions. The Chinese players swept the men's and women's championship. The men's half-journey champion was picked by Kenyan and Ethiopian contestants. A Paralympics marathon was held for the first time in the history of this marathon event which was divided into full marathon of 42 kilometers, half marathon of 21 kilometers and mini marathon of five kilometers. The route started from Xishan Square and ended at Suzhou National Hi-Tech Zone Culture and Sports Center. Co-hosted by Chinese Athletic Association, Jiangsu Sports Bureau and Suzhou National Hi-Tech Zone Administration, the event was broadcast live by CCTV sports channel.
