YANGON, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Yoma Yangon International Marathon returned to Yangon, Myanmar, on Sunday morning after a five-year hiatus, the event organizer said.

This year's race started and finished at the Thuwunna National Indoor Stadium, with routes passing several well-known landmarks in Myanmar's commercial hub.

The event featured three categories: a 21-km half-marathon, a 10-km challenge, and a 5-km fun run/walk. About 7,300 runners, including more than 240 international participants, took part in the event, the organizer said.

According to the organizer, the event aims to promote health awareness and attract international runners to help boost the country's tourism industry.

First launched in 2013, the marathon has grown into the country's largest participatory running event and one of its most recognized sporting occasions, the organizer added.

The last edition of the international marathon took place in January 2020. ■