Competitors at the gobi Gobi ultra-marathon in Jiuquan, Gansu province on Nov 8, 2015. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

A total of 158 runners from around the world joined the competition, and 81 were from abroad, including the queen of the runner's world Meghan Arbogast from the US and others from Kenya, Germany and Egypt.

"It's a great track featuring various landforms and challenges," says Souhei Kobayashi, honorary council member of the association.

The marathon will help China draw closer to its goal of becoming a powerful sports country, says Wang Dawei, vice-chairman of the China Athletic Association.

Jiuquan Mayor Du Wei says that he hopes the event could boost sports and culture integration in the city and help it transform its economy.

The city has been striving to transform itself into a sports city in western China over the years.