This Day, That Year

Item from Oct 16, 1989, in China Daily: Marathoners cross the Jianguomen Overpass on Chang'an Avenue during the annual Beijing International Marathon yesterday. It was the first time women had been included in the race. A Danish runner captured first place in the men's division while a woman from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea won the women's event.

A greater number of health-conscious people are taking up long-distance running in the country, on the back of rapid development and rising affluence.

Last year, about 50 marathon-related events were held nationwide, with more than 900,000 runners participating, according to the Chinese Athletic Association. In 2011, there were about 20 such events.