A marathon in Beijing - REALLY!?!

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/masks-donned-smog-hit-beijing-marathon-162932085.html#iWAtavG

One of the dumber ideas I've heard about in a while. US soldiers didn't have a choice - they were ordered to fight in our foolish exercise in Iraq. But these runners voluntarily participated and paid money, why!?! Of all the marathons in the world.

I guess this is another reflection of the hubris and obliviousness of Chinese officials. They want to do all the things that the other major global cities do, regardless of feasibility. But how can they put thousands of people in danger for an insignificant race? With all the hard-breathing of a ~3 hr outdoor race during especially hazardous conditions, is that like equivalent damage to a normal person living in Beijing for a month? And don't people know that those dust masks don't do squat against pollutants and particulates as small as smog (2.5 microns diameter, which you need an industrial respirator for)?

But besides the runners, of course millions of people have to live through these horrible conditions for their entire lives (not to mention the questionable safety of their consumer goods, drinking water, workplace conditions, and roadways). The Chinese health system is crap for most people, and the lower-income folks may not be able to afford air purification measures.