The possibility of smoggy weather notwithstanding, Sunday in Beijing will see the start of the Beijing international marathon. The annual event this year will see around 30,000 runners from 55 countries and regions participate in the half-course and full course competition.

Autumn in Beijing is the best weather for running, and runners in the Beijing marathon will be hoping this is the weather they have on Sunday.

This year, despite an increase in the registration fee, the number of applicants has gone beyond expectation. Organisers have had to select runners through a lottery.

For every one hundred applicants, only 14 have been lucky to be chosen.

"I failed in the first lottery, but in the second lottery I was chosen. I am so happy," said a runner.

Nearly 9,000 runners will take part in the half-course competition on Sunday.

"Many friend didn't make it to the competition. They're envious of me," said another runner.

The race begins at Tiananmen Square, and finishes at the National Olympic Sports Center Stadium. The 42 kilometres run passes through a lot of famous attractions in the city.

The number of public toilets has been increased to 900, to avoid the embarrassment last year, when runners had to urinate against walls of ancient monuments.

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