Photo: Courtesy of organizers

Around 7,000 runners have participated in the New Year marathon race in Ningbo in East China's Zhejiang Province, as the annual distance race kicked off another year of sports in the city.

The race, held annually since 1984, has become an essential event for runners in the region thanks to its rich history and reputation.

Sports has played a major role in the city's development, as it is home to one of the national training centers for the medals-collecting Chinese women's volleyball team.

The coastal city, which also harbors several Chinese yachting national team members, will be a partner city to help the provincial capital Hangzhou host the yachting events at the Asian Games in 2022.