Runners take part in the "Naked Run" at the Olympic Forest Park in Beijing, on Feb 28, 2016. The running event aims to promote environmental protection awareness and hundreds of runners took part. [Photo by Wei Xiaohao/chinadaily.com.cn]

Beijing residents now have to get new license plates for cars through a lottery thanks to the excessive demand and limited supply. But will you believe that one also has to get a chance to compete in a coveted marathon race through a draw of lots?

As unbelievable as it may sound, this is what has been happening at some of China's prestigious marathon races because long-distance running has become hugely popular with today's health-conscious people. In a way, this reflects Chinese people's rising consciousness about fitness and recreation.

For last year's Beijing Marathon, for instance, more than 65,000 runners had applied for the 30,000 available spots. So the organizing committee had to organize a ballot to choose the lucky participants.

Sometimes a runner needs more than just luck to secure a place in high-profile marathons. Before the 2015 Nanjing International Marathon in November, local media outlets reported that a second-hand place in the half-marathon sold for 1,999 yuan ($309) on Taobao, China's major online-shopping platform. The amount was almost 25 times more than the official registration fee of 80 yuan. This shows money too can help get a place in the starting line-up.

The dearth of proper long-distance running tracks and the lure of fancy sportswear brands greatly appeal to China's ever-increasing fitness-crazy middle class. Local governments' ambition to promote city attractions in response to the State Council's call to boost the sports industry has also been driving the long-distance running craze.

According to the Chinese Athletic Association, last year 134 marathon and other long-distance races were held in the country, including in remote areas, such as Lhasa, capital of the Tibet autonomous region. So far this year, 108 events have already been held or planned.

If the numbers don't make sense, just put on your running shoes and hit Beijing's Olympic Green, which is close to the "Bird's Nest" and famous for its 10-kilometer track through the woods, to see runners of all ages jogging. So attractive is the sound of their steps and so contagious their smile that you cannot help but join them.