Runners across China are getting ready for the 2011 Ningxia Yellow River Golden Coast International Marathon, which is slated to open on Sept. 17 in Wuzhong city.

The race will start in Shengyuan Square and head west along Tongxin Avenue, Binhe Boulevard, Xinyue Square and Liuxi Lake, ending at the Wuzhong convention center. The distance is about 21.0975 kilometers.

The track covers flat terrain, and traffic problems are minor, making it an ideal route for a marathon, a spokesperson from the Wuzhong Municipal Sports Bureau said.

Runners in this year's event will be eligible for national recognition, with top-placing competitors earning points towards qualifying for more exclusive races.

Registration for the race is now in full swing. So far, 20 foreign runners from 16 countries have signed up to run in the race.

CCTV sports channel will broadcast the race live from start to finish.