To get more runners involved to enjoy the beautiful scenery along Suzhou Creek, both the scale and the awards of the event have been upgraded this year.

"Compared with the first competition last year, the number of participants this year has been increased from 4,000 to 7,000. At the same time, six specially invited athletes by World Athletics will join the event," said Zhu Junwei, general manager of Shanghai Donghao Lansheng Event Management.

Zhu said apart from prize money for the top six male and female finishers ranging from 2,000 ($277.8) to 15,000 yuan, the top 150 male runners and top 100 female runners will be awarded quotas for the 2024 Shanghai Marathon.