By Yao Zhongsan Jin Shungen of Hangzhou Daily

Yesterday 8:30am, with a sound of gunfire, over 8000 long-distance running enthusiast set off from Eastern Square of Yellow Dragon Sports Center, announcing the beginning of 2006 Hangzhou International Marathon Race. These marathon-lovers came from over ten countries including Japan, Korea, United States, France etc as well as from various provinces and cities of China. This is the first time that Marathons runners will cover the whole joinery around West Lake. There are various items available for this Marathon race, including through marathon (42.195km), half marathon (21.0975km), short marathon (13.8km), small marathon (5km) and mini marathon (2.5km). Rutto from Kenya took first prize of man through marathon. Liunian from Renmin University of China turns out to be champion of woman marathon.