Runners defy smog to compete in iconic Beijing Marathon

Some 30,000 runners braved the smog in Beijing on Sunday morning to take on the 42.195-kilometer challenge of the 2024 Beijing Marathon, winding through the capital's main arteries and landmarks.

According to the organizing committee, around 30,000 participants, out of the record-setting 182,000 applicants from 43 countries and regions who signed up from October 2 to 5, joined the event this year. 

In the men's race, Lemi Hayle of Ethiopia claimed victory with a time of 2:09:16, followed by Bethwel Chumba of Kenya at 2:09:30 and China's Chen Tianyu at 2:09:48. 

In the women's competition, Vicoty Chepngeno of Kenya took first place with a time of 2:21:56, followed by Ethiopia's Rahma Tusa at 2:24:31 and Angela Tanui of Kenya at 2:25:41.

The course of the flagship event winds past some of Beijing's most iconic landmarks, offering runners a unique experience as they traverse the capital. 

Starting from Tiananmen Square, participants head along West Chang'an Avenue, passing by well-known sites including the Cultural Palace of Ethnic Communities, the Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution and the China Millennium Monument before finishing at the scenic Olympic Park Boulevard.

The Beijing Marathon, which held its maiden edition in 1981, has long been a widely celebrated event in China, attracting runners of all levels and fostering a spirit of endurance.