The starting gun for the 2013 "Fenjiu Cup" Taiyuan International Marathon is set to go off, on Sept 28, in the city of Taiyuan, capital of Shanxi province, with a security force that is 4,030 strong on hand to keep things safe, according to an announcement from the municipal public security bureau, on Sept 26.

There are 44 athletes from 13 foreign countries and regions scheduled to take part, joining more than 30,000 athletes from 33 provinces, autonomous regions, cities, and sports organizations. There will be a launch ceremony at the south gate of the Coal Trade Center's exhibition hall, at 7:30 am, on Sept 28.

Edited by Roger Bradshaw