Beijing smog clouds city's image

Rescheduling of sporting events presents great logistical issues

Beijing's endeavor to become an internationally acclaimed sports metropolis has run into the stark challenge that the city's heavy haze presents to that goal, while experts call for caution on rescheduling events.

When runners of the 2014 Beijing Marathon gathered at Tian'anmen Square in smog on Sunday morning, it appeared as they were attending a mask fair, with many runners wearing all kinds of anti-pollution devices to protect them from the haze.