In Beijing, Nike is one of Chinese shoemaker Li-Ning's main competitors. Now Li-Ning is getting ready to launch its products in the U.S. - starting at the Eugene Marathon.

Before you'll find Eugene Marathon participants at the starting line Sunday, you'll find them all over town in hotels, restaurants and stores. Lane County officials estimate the event will pump $3.5 million into the local economy.

About 5000 runners will toe the line early Sunday morning, but many of them are making a weekend of it -- they're seeing the sights, and opening up their wallets.