There were 5 groups competing in the race, representing both professional and non-professional levels.

Some of the participants are members of national teams, some come from sports associations and clubs, and some are staffs of enterprises and foreign diplomatic organs.

Covering 42 kilometers and 195 meters, this year's race starts from Tian'anmen Square, continues around the city proper along the city's Second Ring Road and returns to finish in Tian'anmen.

The total route is divided into 6 sections, with distances of 10km, 5km, 10km, 5km, 5km and 7.195km respectively.

Asian Games gold medalist Sun Yingjie anchored the Chinese women team to win in two hours, 17 minutes and 46 seconds.

The annual race was inaugurated in 1986. It attracts participants from 15 countries this year including Australia, Canada, China, Ethiopia, Japan, etc.

(China Daily April 14, 2003)