Two Chinese runners have been confirmed dead after participating in a marathon in China's southeast Fujian province, in Xiamen Town on Saturday.

One participant, known by his surname, Wu, collapsed immediately after he had just crossed the finish line. The other runner, Lin, fell down and suffered from a sudden heart failure with just 4.5 kilometers left to go to reach finish line, according to Shanghai Daily.

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Both have been provided with first aid and rushed to a local hospital, were they were eventually pronounced dead.

The organizing committee expressed their deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.

Meanwhile, the Xiamen International Half Marathon was initiated to promote a healthy lifestyle among local residents. Apparently, organizers failed to take note that jogging is not really a part of Chinese citizen's past time activities.

Fox News reported that standard medical checkup procedures prior to an event are not common in athletic activities in China. Also, residents' poor lifestyle practices such as smoking and eating unhealthy meals, as well as environmental pollution, increase health risks and tend not to go well with new runners who wish to participate in marathon.

With a growing number of obesity and the aging trend in the Chinese community, the government has sought to promote a better lifestyle with the Chinese people.

At least 15 marathons as well as short races have been planned for next year in China, according to the Times of India.

Tagschina, Xiamen, Xiamen International Half Marathon