Beijing is a city unique in history, culture and characteristics. You cannot understand the Orient without visiting China or China without visiting Beijing. Beijing (Peking) is one of the greatest cities in the world, famous for its long history and splendid culture.It has been the capital of the country for the last 700 years and represents the second largest city in China. Its long history has endowed the city with countless historic and scenic spots: Beijing is filled with great monuments, palaces, temples and reminders of the past glory of imperial China.

Situated in northeast China, Beijing is the center for national politics and culture and a hub for international communication. The city covers an area of 16,808 sq km at an elevation of 43.5m above sea level and has an overall population estimated to be 15.2 million people. The climate in Beijing is seasonal with cold, dry winters and hot, humid summers. Beijing will hold the XXIX Olympiad from 8-24 Aug in 2008. So how is running a marathon in the capital of China, Beijing, feels like? To find out more, click here to read Half timer’s Race Review on ANA Beijing International Marathon held on 21 Oct 2007.