Wind clears air for Beijing Marathon (2)

Many runners on Sunday said they thought about the dangers of running in polluted air, but had worked too hard not to compete.

"I almost quit when I checked the air quality index, but it dropped and I decided to go anyway. Giving up is not a part of the training and you would feel like a loser," Zhang Mei, CEO of Wild China and an avid runner, told the Global Times Sunday after crossing the finish line. She said she wore a mask for the first 30 kilometers but discarded it when the wind picked up around noon.

"Weather is surely a key factor, but the pleasure gained from running is much more satisfying," said Lu Yang after finishing his third Beijing marathon.

Chen Jie, a 21-year-old man, died after running the Guangzhou Marathon last week, igniting discussions about the dangers of long-distance running.

A professor of pneumology surnamed Yang from the Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine told the Global Times Sunday that a single race is unlikely to cause respiratory illness.

"Sensitive groups including elder people, children, especially patients with cardiopulmonary ailments should avoid such strenuous excises," she said, adding that stretching, training and proper protective gear can help prevent injuries.

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