Gena Siraj (C) of Ethiopia runs during the 2010 Beijing Marathon in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 24, 2010. Gena Siraj won the gold medal of the men's marathon with 2 hours 15 minutes 45 seconds.(Xinhua/Li Ming)

Georges Laplanche of France, 50, spoke highly of the Beijing Marathon. "I am very much impressed by the Beijing Marathon," he said. "The organization was professional and considerate. It was very easy for foreigners to register and take part in. The route was well designed and well protected."

"The departure on the Tian'anmen square was spectacular and the arrival in the Olympic park was absolutely beautiful and pleasant. Running through the Bird Nest and Water Cube made me feel like a professional athlete," said Laplanche, president of the Connect Division at Technicolor Co. and also an amateur marathon runner.

"I felt very good and touched when I saw the crowd along the street cheering up for us."

"I have participated in many marathon race worldwide, and the Beijing Marathon impressed me most." He added.

According to Laplanche, another 57 people from his company took part in the race.

Salim Kipsang, a Kenyan runner, also said he like the route very much. "The route was very good, but I didn't perform my best due to the bad weather."

The 2010 Beijing Marathon attracted about 30,000 runners from 48 countries and regions.