This includes a race in China, which would be the first WMM event in a "developing" country.

Marathon running is currently considered the most popular and fastest-developing mass participation sport in China.

Many of the country's cities hold marathons, but none of them are internationally known and recognised. 

Under the current agreement, Wanda will get the exclusive rights to hold a WMM race in China in a city jointly-selected by both parties. 

It is hoped the race will not only bring the development of marathon running in China to a higher level, but also significantly raise the international reputation of the hosting city.

The partnership, signed in Beijing, also plans to oversee the addition of events in other new regions such as Africa.

It is also hoped it will begin the process of identifying candidate races that will be required to meet AbbottWMM's criteria before selection for the Series.

The AbbottWMM Series currently comprises the world's six most famous marathons, those in Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, New York City and Tokyo.

"Our race directors look forward to working with Wanda to introduce the Series to new audiences in new territories, and to involving our runners in new initiatives," Tim Hadzima, AbbottWMM's general manager, said.

"Nearly a million people apply every year to run in AbbottWMM races and our new partnership with Wanda Group will develop this phenomenal interest in marathon running."

Wang Jianlin, chairman of the Dalian Wanda Group, said: "Wanda is happy to partner with the Abbott World Marathon Majors, the most famous marathons in the world, to promote marathoning and healthy living.

"Running is emerging rapidly in China and across Asia and we look forward both to bringing Chinese athletes to the Abbott World Marathon Major races and to helping Abbott World Marathon Majors to expand the series."

He added: "Wanda plans to inaugurate the World Marathon Major China race in two or three years, adding a new world-class sports brand in China.

"Wanda Sports' goal for 2017 is to create two to three world-class sports events."

Hugh Brasher, London Marathon's race director, was reported as saying by Xinhua that the earliest China's event could feasibly be held was either 2019 or 2020.

He also told China's official news agency that the chosen host city will face a difficult task meeting WMM's standards.

"There are very strict operational criteria that we have for the races we work with," Brasher said. 

"We will be working with our main corporation, who will be looking at the potential races and talking to the potential host cities."

The WMM Series was founded in 2006, aimed at advancing marathon running and honouring the world's best male and female runners and wheelchair athletes.

Now, every year, more than 250,000 runners participate in the AbbottWMM races worldwide, raising nearly $150 million (£117 million/€138 million) annually for good causes.

The Series celebrates its Six Star Finishers, runners who have successfully completed all six races.

AbbottWMM also claims to be a world leader in anti-doping initiatives, financing the biggest private-funded drug testing programme in sport.

After acquiring IRONMAN in 2015, Wanda Group has worked closely with their wholly-owned subsidiary to find and develop beneficial growth opportunities in the endurance space.

IRONMAN will play the lead role for Wanda in the partnership.

"Marathoning is growing rapidly outside of its historical centre in Europe, North America and Japan," Andrew Messick, President and chief executive of IRONMAN, said.

"We look forward to working with AbbottWMM to find or develop great races in other parts of the world that can become members of this prestigious organisation."