Beijing International Ekiden to Be Held on Sunday2001 Beijing International Ekiden will be held in Beijing February 18, the tournament organizers announced on Monday.The participants from 15 countries will compete in the International Women's Group competitiion. these countries are Japan, South Korea, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Russia, Ukraine, Belorussia, Mongolia, India, Australia, Canada, Poland, Ethiopia, Denmark, Mexico and China. The total competition distance is 42.195 kilometers which will be divided into six sections. The respective section distances will be five kilometers, 10km, 5km, 10km, 5km and 7.195km. The competition will be conducted in accordance with the latest IAAF rules. The top six teams will be awarded prizes respectively from 20,000 U.S. dollars, 10,000 dollars, 8,000 dollars, 5,000 dollars, 3,000 dollars to 2,000 dollars. The Ekiden also includes other four groups -- Women's Friendship Group and Men's Friendship Group (composed of teams of sports associations and clubs of provincial or municipal level), Women's Primary Group and Men's Primary Group. A total of 163 teams including 104 men's teams and 59 women's teams will participate in the tournament. |
| People's Daily Online --- http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/ |