The 7th Xiamen International Marathon began here on Saturday morning with 18 of its 23 elite male runners from Kenya and at least four former Beijing Olympic contenders in both the men's and women's competitions.

Runners take part in the 2009 Xiamen International Marathon in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, Jan. 3, 2009.

A record of over 30,000 runners from over 37 countries and regions compete in the 5km and 10km races, half-marathon, and marathon under a clear 12 degrees Celsius. Among them, the oldest runner is 86. The number of people choosing to finish the full course is 6,806.

Kenei Kiprotich, the Kenyan holder, is one of the 23 elite male runners invited by the organising committee. As the top favorite for the race, the 30-year-old veteran won the event in two hours and 9.49 minutes in 2008. His personal best is 2:07:42 from the Hamburg Marathon in 2007.

Runners take part in the 2009 Xiamen International Marathon in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, Jan. 3, 2009.

Alongside Kiprotich on the start line were plenty of his competitive compatriots. David Kemboi Kiyeng, second fastest among the 18 Kenyan contenders, boasts a personal best of 2:07:53 set from the Reims Marathon in October. Sammy Kiptoo Kurgat and Frederick Cherono, who both kept a personal best under 2:09:00, also have a serious shot at the title.

Hailed by IAAF as the Gold Label Road Race, Xiamen marathon is also well-known for its charming course.

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