The 2009 Lhasa International Halfway Marathon Tournament will start Wednesday on the Potala Palace Square in Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region.

File photo shows a previous International Halfway Marathon Tournament held in Lhasa, capital city of Tibet Autonomous Region, Sep. 10, 2006, photo from Xinhua.

Together with the Shoton Festival (Sour Milk Drinking or Yogurt Festival), the tournament aims to present a brand new Tibetan plateau to the world via Tibet's unique culture.

The game will not only provide an opportunity for the participants to exercise, but also enrich their life experiences through various and colorful activities.

A total of 3,000 people from 24 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities have registered for the game.