SYDNEY, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- A record turnout of over 37,000 people has taken part in the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival on Sunday, an event that is considered by many to be the most beautiful marathon race in the world.
Now in its 18th year, the event began as an initiative of the Sydney Olympic Games back in 2000, as a way to encourage exercise among the community.
As well as the 42km marathon distance, there is also the option to take on a half marathon, a 10km run or a family friendly 3.5km course.
"It motivates people to go out and try exercise, and running or walking across the Harbour bridge is a good incentive," Sydney Running Festival director Wayne Larden told Xinhua before the race.
"So hopefully it gets people fitter and they have a great time with their family and friends."
"There are a lot of children who take part with their parents, so it is a good thing to have children involved with from a young age, learning that exercise is normal and good for their future."
Becoming hugely popular with overseas entrants, this year over 4000 runners from around the world traveled down under for the event, with around 10 percent of all internationals coming from China.
"Our Chinese numbers have been growing every year," Larden said.
"Of course marathons are becoming more and more popular in China and more and more Chinese runners are looking for overseas marathon experiences and they all know about Sydney."
"When they can combine their running passion with a holiday to a place like Sydney, then it becomes really popular."
Although the field includes a number of serious international competitors, for some, there is also a much lighter side.
With Guinness World Record observers on hand to monitor the action, five individuals attempted to break some unique world records, including fastest marathon time dressed as a French maid, a surfer, a construction worker, a national flag and a monk.
"I am a bit biased, but I think it is the most beautiful race in the world and we call it one of the most scenic courses in the world," Larden said.
"The great thing about that is it takes people's minds off how much they are hurting, so it becomes a enjoyable marathon too."
In the men's marathon event, it was kenya's Elijah Kemboi who took out the race in a time of 2:13:37.
While in the women's category, fellow countrymen Mercy Kibarus won gold in a time of 2:31:24
This year's event also raised over 1.5 million Australian dollars (1.07 million U.S. dollars) for local charities including the Breast Cancer Network Australia and metal health organisation Beyond Blue.
