A marathon that required runners to remain active continuously for 12 hours was held in Fuzhou, capital of Fujian province on Sunday.

Runners compete in the 12-hour marathon, March 22. [Photo/chinanews.com]

Results were based on kilometers covered with competitors allowed to take a break for supplements.

Some 180 amateurs, including some from overseas, took part in the event created by a local long-distance running club in 2011.

Chen Lina, 59, from Xiamen, said it was her fourth time in the event, and she hoped to exceed her personal best 104 km set last year.

"She always outruns me," said Yang Shiyun, her husband who managed 99 km last year. "We have a lot of fun in the company of each other during the race".

A couple from the US were the first foreigners to compete in the event with both avid runners in pursuit of health, comfort and fun.

You Peiquan from Xiamen became a two-time winner of the men’s group, with a personal best 141 km. He said his winning formula is to get composed in the early stages.

"The 12-hour marathon really stands out in more than 50 marathons nationwide every year as an original grassroots event which will help promote fitness", said Xu Guozheng, director of the Fujian Sports Bureau.