Event Notes: Chinese Deny Japanese's Accusations Of Exclusion From Beijing Marathon

Chinese Athletic Association VP Shen Chunde refuted Japanese reports, saying that the Beijing Marathon "did not refuse Japanese runners' applications." In an interview on the front page of CAA's website, Shen said that the race has welcomed runners from every nation since its inception in '81 and that Japanese entrants "have not been blocked" from the event. The race will be held Nov. 25 (CHINA DAILY, 11/12). ... ASPIRE4SPORT 2012 Congress and Expo kicked off Monday at the Aspire Dome in Doha, Qatar. An inauguration was led by senior officials, "following the first of many all-star panels." The event will last through Thursday (GULF TIMES, 11/12). ... Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes "has confirmed plans to try and bring F1 back to the Brazilian city." According to reports over the weekend, Paes "is now looking to enter into talks" with F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone "to see if Brazil could have two races" (CRASH.net, 11/12).