Marathons offer healthy business opportunities

Long-distance running has become a craze among the increasingly affluent and health-conscious Chinese people.

It has become a daily scene these days to see men and women, especially the young and middle-aged, jog along the streets or in parks after work or during weekends. At Beijing's Olympic park, which I often visit, runners are hot on the heels of each other, soaked with sweat and beaming with vigor and vitality. You cannot help but join them.

Though around 60 marathons were officially held or are planned for this year, as compared to a dozen several years ago, runners still find it hard to secure a place in some of the most coveted races. The upcoming Beijing marathon, for example, drew more than 60,000 applicants although only 30,000 places were available. Those who won the slot through a lottery are considered extremely lucky.