HAVANA, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- Over 5,300 runners from 52 countries and regions will compete in Havana's annual Marabana marathon on Sunday, according to the organizing committee.

While registration for the event is now closed, all runners who crossed the finish line at last year's Marabana are eligible to compete in this year's edition, they added.

In addition to a full marathon, the Marabana features a half marathon, 5km and 10km races, along with events for competitors with disabilities.

Each year, the Marabana takes place on the Sunday closest to November 16, the day Havana was founded in 1519.

The day before the Marabana, runners in every town and province across Cuba take part in a nationwide race called the Maracuba.

Havana's marathon is certified by the Athens-based Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).

Carlos Gattorno, general director of the Marabana-Maracuba project, noted that the races have taken place for 33 consecutive years, saying this underscores the country's commitment to the international event.