Photo taken by Jan from China Tibet Online shows participants running during 2010 Fifth International Half Marathon Challenge held in Lhasa, Sept. 12.

It was in 490 BC that the 42.193-kilometer Phidippides galloping from Marathon to Athens marked a new era of sportsmanship.

Some 2,500 years later, September 12, 2010, the kick-off of the Fifth International Half Marathon Challenge on the Potala Palace Square held in Lhasa, capital city of Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) extended salute to the brave man over a thousand years ago.

At an altitude of 3,670 meters, the grand event attracted over 4,600 participants this year from all over China and19 from other countries, such as Australia and the United States.

The activities include men's, women's and 5-kilometer mini marathon races enabling more people to participate in. 

Photo taken by Jan from China Tibet Online shows participants running hand in hand during the 2010 Fifth International Half Marathon Challenge held in Lhasa, Sept. 12.

"This is my first time to come to Lhasa. I caught a cold the other day, but now I'm feeling good! I didn't think I could make it to the final. I am really happy to finish the marathon in Lhasa. Marathon will make you healthier and stronger," said Liu Zhengyu, a 65-year-old man from north China's Tianjin Municipality, who came to take part in the event, one of his twelve marathons.

While just winning a special award in the challenge, Jeff from Australia said happily: "I was a little bit surprised to get this award. I am really happy to take part in the activity, and I feel very good to gather here with so many people!" after making to the final of 21.0975-kilometer race.

The medical team played an important role in the game, guaranteeing the safety of all contestants by checking their physical conditions twice, especially those from areas outside TAR.

Photo taken by Jan from China Tibet Online shows participants running during the 2010 Fifth International Half Marathon Challenge held in Lhasa, Sept. 12.

Photo taken by Drolma from China Tibet Online shows some international runners just before the beginning of the 2010 Fifth International Half Marathon Challenge held in Lhasa, Sept. 12.