PARIS, April 4 (Xinhua) -- The 2016 Paris Marathon has seen a record-breaking 43,317 athletes left the start line on the Champs-Elysees on Sunday, according to the organizers.
To put the new participation record into perspective, there were 41,342 participants in 2015, 40,783 in 2014 and 39,967 in 2013. A mere 72 runners took part in the first edition 40 years ago.
Among this year's 43,000 and more runners, there's an ever-increasing number of athletes from abroad with the 160 nationalities occupying 37% of the field, said Amaury Sport Organization (ASO).
The average age remains stable at 41, but the percentage of women continues to grow and now stands at 25%. No fewer than 250,000 spectators turned out to acclaim the competitors.
In celebrating the 40-year anniversary of Paris Marathon inaugurated in 1976, non-stop music filled the air from 40km to the finish line in Avenue Foch, the maiden edition fo the Marateens was held featuring youngsters aged 11 and 12, and a party was thrown on Rue Princesse in the 6th district of Paris starting from 6pm on Sunday.
Just three days after the 2016 edition, the first stage of the registration process for the 2017 Paris Marathon will open on Wednesday through an on-line platform.