In Fast-Paced China, Marathon Craze Is Off And Running (Despite A Clumsy Start)
Six years ago, China held 22 marathons; this year, more than 400 are scheduled. But it's long-distance running with Chinese characteristics, and some twists including cigarettes and fruity soap.
The festivities at this month's third annual Qingyuan marathon, in southern China's Guangdong province, begin at 7 a.m.
On one side of the starting line, there's a traditional Chinese music troupe in robes and long, flowing beards; on the other, there's a stage full of dancing girls wearing skimpy marathon attire, gyrating their hips in unison to a rap song.
Stuck in the middle are more than 23,000 runners, itching to start. The
