The first Yixing International Marathon was held in Yixing, the home of purple clay, on April 15. [Photo/ihuipao.cn]

Over 10,000 runners took part in the first Yixing International Marathon on Sunday in Wuxi, Jiangsu province. Yixing is known as the famous"home of purple clay".

It is the first ever marathon to take place in Yixing, which supposedly has "the most beautiful marathon course in China". The course passes through many scenic spots and historic landmarks, including Tuanjiu Lake, Dongjiu Lake and Longbeishan Forest Park.

Over 10,000 runners took part in the first Yixing International Marathon on April 15. [Photo/ihuipao.cn]

After a fiercely competitive race, Samuel Ndaire Njuguna from Kenya won the men's full marathon with a record-breaking time of 2 hours 24 minutes 21 seconds, while in the women's race, Byambaa Khaliunaa from Mongolia claimed first place with a time of 3 hours 3 minutes 53 seconds.

The medal, made of a special kind of purple clay from Yixing, embodies the city's charm and profound cultural background, and includes a picture of a purple clay teapot representing Yixing, China's "home of purple clay".

"Yixing fascinates me not only because of its exquisite purple clay teapots but also its beautiful natural and urban scenery", said a runner, "I will recommend the city to my family and friends for a future visit."