2012年北京国际长跑节数万人参加

The annual spring running meet has been a traditional sporting activity in the capital city ever since its launch in 1956.

With the participation of Lv Bo and Yang Yilin from the Chinese Gymnastics Team to cheer the runners on, the festival provides a stage for amateurs to amuse themselves through running.

An American girl who called herself Sina said she never expected that she could take part in such a jubilant event after arriving in China six months ago.

"I've done one in the United States, but none in China before. I'm very excited. I love running. I love excitement. I've never seen so many excited people in Tian'anmen Square. It's great."

In addition to having fun, people from all walks of life who have laced up their running shoes also share the aim of staying fit and healthy. With this goal in mind, Xiao Wang, a white collar worker, participated in a 5-kilometer mini-marathon race that started from Tiananmen Square and stretched to the Xiannongtan Stadium in south Beijing.

"I'm fond of sporting activities. I haven't got any ambition to go after the trophy. Taking part is more important. I expect more and more people will become aware of improving their fitness through doing physical exercise like this."

Among the highlights of the one-day festival was a race especially designed for the families of running enthusiasts, which took place on Tiananmen Square.

Wang Lijie, an entrepreneur who operates his own company in Beijing, took his wife and 2-year old daughter to the family running race.

"I think the festival will do a lot to arouse people's interest and concern in fitness; so I brought my daughter here to enjoy the atmosphere."

With four Swedish aerobic exercise coaches on hand to help warm up the large crowd of runners, the Beijing International Long-distance Running Festival is composed of three major parts: a ten-kilometer race, a race especially designed for the families of running fans as well as a five-kilometer mini-marathon.

For CRI, I'm Xiao Yee.