The 2013 Beijing International Marathon concluded on Sunday with Tadese Tola of Ethiopia breaking the event record set 27 years ago to win the men's race and China's Zhang Yingying claiming the women's title.

In its 33rd year, the Beijing Marathon drew 30,000 participants this year with all registering in only 13 hours after bookings opened on Sept 8, setting a speed record for registration.

"It is my sixth year running the Beijing Marathon," said a 64-year-old woman surnamed Wang. "I go jogging several times a week and run several kilometers every time. I feel relaxed after running. I think that's the charm of the sport."