Organisers of the Beijing International Marathon breathed a huge sigh of relief yesterday after the tough road race passed off without any of the serious incidents that have plagued the event in the past two years.
Despite the gruelling 42km course and foul smog, none of the 20,000-plus competitors reported serious health difficulties. Instead, spectators were all smiles after Sun Weiwei romped home to maintain China's dominance of the women's race.
'The temperature was just fine, but the athletes may have felt the going a bit hard and struggled to breathe because of the smog,' a China Athletic Association spokesman said.
Since 2004, three runners have died after taking part in the race, now in its 25th year. Fearing lawsuits, organisers again gave runners free health insurance and over 500 first-aid volunteers were dispatched around the course, which followed some of the planned route for the 2008 Olympic marathon.
Sun became the 15th consecutive Chinese female winner when she finished in two hours, 34 minutes and 41 seconds. 'It was a surprise victory,' Sun said. 'I just competed in the Cologne Marathon on October 10 [and finished second], so I was not at my best. It was a tough race and I did not expect to win. It's a confidence-boost to win. I will compete in as many marathons as possible. I think I will get better after gaining more experience.'
Sun takes the winner's mantle from defending champion and three-time winner Sun Yingjie, who is serving a two-year ban for doping.