A comparision between the 2015 Beijing Marathon ticket (L) and the 2014 ticket.
(ECNS) -- Tickets for this year's Beijing Marathon set for this Sunday were resold online at two to three times the price of originals, Beijing Youth Daily reported Firday.
With the race drawing near, some tickets were charged at 500 yuan (about $78) to 700 yuan each.
Most of the sellers claimed they are registered, but unavailable participants.
One seller who claimed to have given up the race for personal reasons said her ticket is available for 700 yuan, or a lower price if the buyer will leave the souvenir package to her.
The annual Beijing Marathon has gained popularity in recent years. The organizer offered 30,000 places this year by drawing from applicants logged before July 20. Chinese participants need to pay 200 yuan for participation and foreigners 100 yuan.
Ticket transferring is officially banned, though the policy is not strictly abided by. Special medal design is hoped to further push up the price this year.
According to the marathon organizer, the medal will bear a gold seal for the first time to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the event.
Ticket sellers said they can help with collecting the gear packages and medals, which are registered under their names.
It was added that organizers would closely check participant identity against registered information.
Organizers also warned that unregistered runners would not be able to enjoy the health insurance policy it offers.
