KUNMING, China, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Enthusiastic runners may participate in many marathons, but how about running a marathon between two countries?

The 2018 Ruili China and Muse Myanmar International Marathon will start and finish in the city of Ruili in China's southwest Yunnan province on December 31, with the course winding its way across the border with Myanmar and back again.

"Around 10,000 participants are expected to compete in four different races: the marathon, half-marathon, short distance fun run and parent-child event," said organizing committee spokesman Hou Sheng on Friday.

"Participants who finish the race will be awarded a medal inlaid with rosewood. Myanmar runners will be presented with the special Paukphaw Friendship Award," he added.

Located in west Yunnan's Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, Ruili is a city on the China-Myanmar border. Beginning in Ruili's Jiegao Town, the marathon covers seven kilometers in Muse of Myanmar before recrossing the border back to Ruili.

This year's marathon is the second edition of the event, which is becoming an important platform for cultural and sporting exchanges between China and Myanmar.