Han Ximin

    ximhan@126.com

    SHENZHEN traffic police will impose dynamic traffic controls between 6:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. today in Dapeng New Area, shifting road blockages according to the progress of the New Year’s Marathon.

    Around 3,000 runners have signed up for the full run (42.2 kilometers), which starts at 7:30 a.m. along the coast of Dapeng Peninsula, said to be one of the most beautiful coastlines in China.

    The marathon will start at Dapeng Peninsula Geopark and end at Dapeng Square on Zhongshan Road and follows a route that passes historic sites and tourist attractions such as Dapeng Fortress, Yangmeikeng and Longcheer Yacht Club.

    The marathon is another major sporting event in Dapeng, following the China Cup International Regatta.

    Event organizers will arrange bus services for runners at the north gate of Shenzhen University in Nanshan District and at Shenzhen Sports Stadium in Futian District.

    Winners and runner-ups in the women’s and men’s groups will qualify to participate in the Boston Marathon and the Brague Marathon in 2015. Cash rewards of 3,000 yuan (US$492) will be given to the winners and 2,500 yuan will be given to the runner-ups. Third place comes with a 2,000-yuan prize and finishers from fourth to eighth place will each get 1,000 yuan each.

    The organizers hope runners, along with their family members, will enjoy the fresh air, sightseeing and local customs in Dapeng via the New Year’s Day event.

    Dapeng has signed a partnership with the organizer of the Prague International Marathon (PIM), a significant marathon event that was given IAAF (International Amateur Athletic Federation) Gold Label status, for help with organizing the event and to increase cultural exchanges between the two sides.