The Shanghai International Marathon this year promises to be a mega event — 8,000 participants will take part in the 10-kilometer run, 3,000 more than last year.

The 10K was a new run added to the event last year. But the 5,000-participant entry limit was deemed too little, with the marathon enjoying rising popularity across the nation over the past few years.

"The Shanghai International Marathon has built up its own brand after 18 years," said Li Yuyi, head of the Shanghai Sports Bureau. "The pointer to the event's popularity is the sponsorship fee offered by the event's business partner, which has reached more than 5 million yuan (US$802,000) from 20,000 to 30,000 yuan years ago."

The 2014 Shanghai International Marathon will be held on November 2. Registration work starts in September, and the process will be expedited for those who got good results in last year's marathon and half-marathon through a "green channel".

A total of 18,000 runners took part in the marathon and half-marathon last year, and 12,000 participated in the 5km health run.

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