Residents criticize Haikou marathon traffic control

A marathon in Haikou, South China's Hainan Province is embroiled in controversy over its nine-hour-long traffic control scheme on Sunday.

Tens of thousands of runners from 15 countries and regions competed in the marathon, which included a mini-marathon and a marathon for runners participating as a family, according to a media officer of the R&F Haikou Marathon Race 2015.

The new features attracted a greater number of runners, but this made the race last about nine hours, triggering discontent among the public, reported the China News Service.

"It is understandable that traffic should be managed in the city to make room for the race. But why can't we leave at least one road open to traffic to reduce the race's negative impact on our lives? The organizers should not impose their will on us," wrote a Net user.

Local newspaper Hainan Daily also carried an opinion article, questioning the need to stage the race on major city roads. It also urged local traffic departments to offer a better traffic control plan.

The media officer explained that notices of traffic control had been circulating on local media since December 2014, which would last from 6:30 am to 3 pm on Sunday, covering several main city roads including Binhai Boulevard and Haikou Century Bridge.

"It is normal to implement traffic control. There is no need to overreact. The race is aimed at enhancing the image of Haikou and highlighting its beauty," the officer added.