Safety measures introduced before Guangzhou Marathon

Organizers of the upcoming Guangzhou Marathon have introduced stricter measures to avoid any tragedies, after two runners died from heart failure during the event in November 2012.

Xu Jianping, deputy director of Guangzhou sports bureau, said all runners should undergo strict medical checks before applying to participate in the event.

"Participants are recommended to conduct a self-evaluation of their health in order to prepare fully for running," Xu said.

This year's marathon, the second to take place in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, is scheduled for Nov 23.

During the first Guangzhou Marathon, in 2012, two young runners, who were not professionals, died after suffering heart attacks during the 10-kilometer and 5-kilometer sections of the race.

Organizers have also optimized the route for this year's event, which follows wider downtown roads alongside the Pearl River, according to Xu.

"The route covers some major landmark scenes of the city. More importantly, wider roads are of great importance for us in providing emergency treatment," Xu said.

Organizers are also offering to help runners purchase life insurance before the event, according to Xu.