XIAMEN, China, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- IAAF President Lamine Diack expressed his hope here on Wednesday that the annual Xiamen International Marathon will be more internationalized.

Diack made the hope while interviewed by Xinhua in the southeast China's coastal city of Xiamen where the carnival-like marathon will be held on Thursday with more than 70 thousand runners.

Diack highly praised the natural environment of Xiamen where the most beautiful scenery is located along the course.

Compared with the best marathon races around the globe, Xiamen needs to make it more well-known and professional, Diack said.

Take introduction materials for example, Diack said, they are all in Chinese and more English introductions are much recommended. Local athletes occupy a large portion of the entire participants. Most of the professional runners are from Africa. Xiamen needs more athletes from Europe and America.

Top marathon organizing committees have wealthy experience, Diack said, Berlin has the plat course and London has intensive connection and cooperation with IAAF.

He suggests Xiamen to invite the committees to come to China and ask for advice about getting more internationalized and making the Xiamen marathon one of the most important contests on earth.

Diack also contributes that Chinese athletes and coaches should communicate more with the top teams in track and field. "Kenya, Ethiopia and Jamaica are all good teachers we should learn from. IAAF would help to negotiate if necessary."

Diack is about to fire the starting gunshot for the 12th Xiamen marathon on Thursday morning and will present the award of IAAF Gold Label Road Race which crowned Xiamen for seven years.