Beijing Marathon

CHINA, SEPTEMBER 17 Runners have been pounding the streets of China’s capital city since 1981, when it became the first international sporting event ever to be staged in the People’s Republic. The race starts in Tiananmen Square, finishes at the Olympic ‘Bird’s Nest’ stadium, and between those points it takes 29,000 runners through this extraordinary, thrilling and ever-changing city. DIRECT FLIGHTS from £506 return from London Heathrow. WHILE YOU’RE THERE... You’ll be spoilt for choice but the Forbidden City, with over 500 years of dynastic history, is a must-see. beijing-marathon.com/en