Perhaps no other sporting event can boast the unique elegance of the marathon. A sacred test of endurance, physical grace; who wouldn’t be stirred by the images of sleek bodies, shining medals, pumped-up masses, and…gas masks?

In Beijing, rather than clear blue skies and invigorating breeze, marathon runners
must settle for smog and toxins.

At Last weekend’s’s 34th Annual Beijing International Marathon, runners even had to scrub down their skin to protect themselves from lengthy exposure to the pollutant-saturated air.

Sadly, today was just a more notable example of the toll that heavy industrialization has wreaked upon the air quality of China’s biggest cities.

Even worse, as China’s economic growth persists, its air-quality is expected to only get worse.

So to the 5 a.m. warriors and seasoned vets pushing themselves through mile after punishing mile on this side of the world, count your blessings.

Your lungs may be on fire, but at least it’s not because of the air itself.