On your marks: Registration for Beijing Half Marathon's now open

Photo: Beijing Marathon/Weibo

Run Beijing, Run!

Have you ever wanted to run continuously for a questionably healthy distance? Perhaps you already have done so. Whatever the case, it's time to get on your marks, as the Beijing Half Marathon is back for 2021. 

On Saturday, April 24, channel your inner Pheidippides and complete the 21.0975km course (which is 13.049 miles, or 13 miles and 257 yards if you don't like a decimal). Starting at Tiananmen Square, the route has in recent years stretched eastward to end at the central area of the Olympic Park. 

One of the longest-running races in the capital, the Beijing Half Marathon first began in 1956 with a history spanning over six decades. Usually seeing about 20000 runners turn up each year, this year has been downsized to 10000 registrants due to health concerns and is only open to residents in the capital. Having said that, registrants are required to provide a negative covid test result three days prior to race day (from April 21), and a travel history within the last 14 days. 

Submit a registration form now, or anytime before 4pm, Sunday 4. Once you've submitted your application, you'll potentially go into a draw with thousands of others, until the lucky 10,000 few are chosen sometime in early April – keep your fingers crossed in the meantime. 

To register, head to the official website (beijing-halfmarathon.com) or download the 马拉马拉 (Mararun) app. Participants must have been born before Dec 31, 2005, and will need to complete a multi-question entry application, with mind-teasers galore (sneak peek below). 

'Keeping running and never giving up will, however, be an important skill for completing a marathon.'

The race fee for Chinese nationals is 120RMB, while foreigners need to pay 20 USD (about 131RMB) Get registering now, and remember: keep running and never give up. (Unless you need to, in which case please do stop running.)

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