The date for the 2016 Mount Tai International Marathon has been set for Oct 30.

The race, certified by the Chinese Athletic Association (CAA), traverses several natural scenic spots including Mount Tai and Tianping Lake, located in the picturesque city of Tai'an, East China's Shandong province. The race is open for registration until Sept 30.

Runners wait for the starting pistol at a previous Mount Tai International Marathon. [Photo/tarb.cc]

Jointly organized by the Tai'an municipal bureau of sports, the Tai'an People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and the Tai'an Daily Newspaper Group, the annual event is the third of its kind to be held in the city.

Runners will hear the starting pistol at the east side of Taishan International Exhibition Center at 8:00 am. The race passes through several famed scenic spots in Tai'an, including the charming Mount Tai, the beautiful Taohua (peach blossom) Valley, the historic Dai Temple, the spectacular Tai'an Culture and Art Center, and Tianping Lake.

In recent years the Mount Tai International Marathon series, which includes full, half, and mini races, has received a great deal of praise from Chinese and foreign participants alike. The marathons are considered to be some of China's most beautiful races by runners, due to the scenery surrounding their locations.

Participants can get familiar with the circuit in advance by checking the related video on the official website of the Mount Tai International Marathon.

Registration information:

Time: June 16-- Sept 30

Fee: 130 yuan for full marathon, 90 yuan for half marathon, and 50 yuan for mini marathon (for Chinese citizens) and $30 for foreigners.