Male players set out during the 2006 Beijing International Relay Marathon men's event held in Beijing, capital of China, April 9, 2006. The Kenyan men squad clocked 2:02:59 to claim the men's title. (Xinhua Photo)

   BEIJING, April 9 (Xinhua) -- China claimed the 2006 Beijing International Relay Marathon women's title while Kenya won men's event on Sunday.

   The six-strong Chinese women squad, spearheaded by Seoul Marathon winner Zhou Chunxiu, completed the 42.195-kilometer course in two hours sixteen minutes and 43 seconds.

   Defending champion Ethiopia finished second in 2:18:47, 1 minutes and 50 seconds ahead of third-placed Australia.

   In men's race, Kenya clocked 2:02:59 for the title, leaving Russia a far second in 2:06:02. China was the third in 2:06:22.

   Winners of the men's and women's races, which started and finished at the Tiananmen Square downtown, were awarded 20,000 U.S. dollars each.

   According to the organizers, a record of about 4,000 international and local runners, including amateurs, took part in the event of a 20-year history. Enditem

A Chinese female player arrives at the finishing line during the 2006 Beijing International Relay Marathon held in Beijing, capital of China, April 9, 2006. The Chinese women squad clocked 2:16:43 to claim the women's title.(Xinhua Photo)

Players compete during the 2006 Beijing International Relay Marathon held in Beijing, capital of China, April 9, 2006. According to the organizers, a record of about 4,000 international and local runners, including amateurs, took part in the event of a 20-year history.(Xinhua Photo)