The Baotou First International Marathon kicked off on Aug 18 in Baotou, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, according to local media.

The event included a full marathon, half marathon, and mini marathon (about five kilometers), attracting some 15,000 participants from 33 provinces, autonomous regions, and cities including Beijing, Shanghai, and Inner Mongolia autonomous region, as well as 11 foreign countries including the USA, UK, and Germany.

Participants began at Baotou Olympic Sports Center, and passed by famous city landmarks including the Baotou Grand Theater, Saihantala Park, Baogang Group offices and Arden Plaza.

To ensure participants' safety, the organizing committee of the event set up 20 medical ambulance points along the marathon routes.

A total of 60 portable defibrillators were issued. Also, there were 32 ambulances, 160 professional medical staff members and 460 medical volunteers on hand to help.