The 2024 Shanghai Suzhou Creek Half Marathon will fire its starting pistol on March 24 in Putuo district.

Sponsored by the Agricultural Bank of China Shanghai branch, nearly 7,000 runners will begin their 21-kilometer journey from the Changshou Road area to the Suzhou Creek Half Marathon Park.

Last year, about 4,000 runners participated in the first Suzhou Creek Half Marathon that started at the Tian An 1000 Trees in Putuo district. To get more runners involved to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the Suzhou Creek, both the scale and the awards of the event have been upgraded this year.

Apart from prize money for the top six male and female finishers, the top 150 male runners and top 100 female runners will be awarded quotas for the 2024 Shanghai Marathon.

Water and beverage supplies will be arranged every five kilometers along the route with water spray facilities to help runners cool down.

The official registration started on Jan 26 on the event's official website ( www.shang-ma.com) and the fee is 150 yuan ($ 21.8) per person. The quotas will be distributed through a draw and the result will be announced on Feb 6.

Kou Yuke contributed to the story.