The 2012 China, Japan and South Korea international tourism marathon will start on May 20, in Rongcheng, Shandong province.

Held in the Chishan Mountain tourist zone, the event blends tourism, culture and sports. The event hosts a male and female 21 kilometer half-marathon, and a 10 and 5 kilometer race. At the beginning of May, over 1,300 athletes from three countries had signed-up for the competition.

The Chishan Mountain tourist zone is in the most eastern part of the Shandong Peninsula, and is close to South Korea and across the sea from Japan.

It features an amazing view of the coastline and ancient religious culture. Many students and travelers from Japan and South Korea frequent the area.