Mr Humphreys, the owner of H Events, launched the Newcastle International Half Marathon on Friday.

The idea for an international race on the foreshore came from co-organiser Novocastrian Emma Redgrove who was approached by the China-Australia Chamber of Commerce and Chinese "media and tourism giant" Takungpao to create an Australian running event while living in Beijing last year.

"I was working in wine export and I was introduced to Nick Coyle of AustCham. They were pushing for the event to be in Sydney or Melbourne but I tendered for it to be in Newcastle," she said. "The restaurants here, the beaches, are some of the best.

Mr Coyle, AustCham's chief executive officer, said Chinese tourists are increasingly seeking international travel opportunities, with participation in local social and cultural activities.

"Our half marathon event can combine both of these needs," he said.

The inaugural event will be held on October 6. With just four months to pull together the race, Mr Humphreys, said take up by international participants was "a bit slower than we wanted". Chinese tourists make up about a quarter of the 500 runners registered so far.

"But we've had a massive amount of interest in a short amount of time. The event's got legs," he said. "Given the course and interest from sponsors and council I can see this becoming a major event on the Australian running calendar."

Race day will include live music, food and wine tastings, kids activities and Ms Redgrove said she was pursuing international artists to perform in years to come.

Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the annual event would provide an arena for Novocastrian and Chinese businesses to network.

"It opens up opportunities for local business looking to expand into China and visa versa," she said.

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