Athens Olympic gold-medal hurdler Liu Xiang cheered on thousands of runners at the launch of the 2009 Beijing International Long-distance Running Festival.

Liu is still the idol of the Chinese people although he quit the event with a foot injury in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The event?has built up a loyal local following since it began more than 50 years ago. Thousands of people from all walks of life laced up the running shoes Sunday. No matter how old or young, Chinese or foreigners, they all have the same aim: to keep healthy.

Although 2008 Olympic Games are over, enthusiasm about sports in Beijing is still on the upswing.