The 2023 Guangzhou Marathon will take place on Dec 10, with some 30,000 people set to participate in the full and half marathons. This was announced at a press conference on Nov 20.

The starting point for both the full and half marathons will be the south square of the Tianhe Sports Center. The full marathon will end at Huacheng Square in Tianhe district, while the half marathon will stop at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Haizhu district.

The previous session of the Guangzhou Marathon attracts many participants. [Photo/WeChat account: tianhefabu]

Face recognition technology will be applied in this year's event to verify the identity of participants when collecting competition gear, checking in, and receiving souvenirs.

Intangible cultural heritage-themed exhibitions will be set up in Huacheng Square and the China Import and Export Fair Complex, allowing contestants and observers to enjoy Canton porcelain works, olive stone carvings, and paper cutting art pieces.

Some 6,000 volunteers from universities, colleges and social organizations will offer their services at 68 positions throughout the event.

Moreover, if participants show their registration ID card and race bib then they can enjoy special offers at scenic spots, hotels and restaurants in Guangzhou from Dec 8 to 13. This includes a 50-percent discount to enter the Canton Tower and a free visit to the Ancestral Hall of the Chen Family.

The mascot for the Guangzhou Marathon is released at the press conference. It is modeled after a sheep and wears a red tracksuit, and aims to promote the concept of health and fitness. Channels for name suggestions are open until 5 pm on Nov 25. [Photo/WeChat account: tianhefabu]