Started in Japan and gaining popularity in European and the U.S, long-distance walking is one of the most efficient and simplest ways to achieve physical fitness. It stresses less on competition and attaches more importance to self-improvement.

With a history of over 20 years in Beijing, Beijing International long-distance walking race (originally named as 21st century Sino-Japanese Friendship race) is a symbol of Sino-Japanese Friendship in the 21st century, covering a distance of 21 miles. In 2003, in order to further promote popular sports activities in Beijing and to embrace the 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing League Committee, Beijing Youth Federation, Beijing Foreign Affairs Office, Beijing Economic and Technological Development Zone define the race as the way to promote Olympic Spirit, to introduce Chinese Culture and to build up Beijing’s image. Starting from 2003, it has been an annual tradition with the theme of Looking Forward to 2008.

The race covers a distance of 21 miles, of which the first 5 miles is a must for all participants as warming-up exercise. The rest 16 miles are not a request for all participants. Participants are told not to eat, drink or run through out the race. Those who feel physically uncomfortable in the race can take a rescue bus to the terminal. Because of the demanding requirement, the race encourages participants to exercise self-control.

Long-distance race is a process of pushing one’s limits, exercising self-control, building up team spirit and strengthening one’s will. It has been attracting participation from institutions of higher learning, corporate units, government departments, consulates, foreign chamber of commerce as well as citizens in Beijing with an annual number of participants of more than 13,000. They range from elders above the age of 80 to tottering children, from a whole family to a corporate unit. Its great success has attracted great media coverage from forty famous local media as well as over 10 foreign media. It makes its ways into the one of the ten most popular activities in Beijing.