The International Marathon, under the sponsorship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), is scheduled to be held near Kunming’s Dianchi Lake on December 17.

According to Rashid Alimov, Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, athletes from 18 SCO countries, as well as those identifying with “Shanghai Spirit” will compete in the event. It will be the first time for the 18 SCO countries to come together for a sports event.

The SCO Kunming International Marathon will include a full marathon (42.195 kilometres), a half marathon (21.0975 kilometres), a 10-kilometre event, a 5-kilometre event and a 2,016-metre (SCO distance) event.