Signs of the Apocalypse

I'm scared. Really. Those guys that you see with signs that say "The End is Near" might be right.
I know this, for I have seen one of the signs...the trailer for "Bejing 2008: Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games."

Now, if someone could tell me why Mario can match speed with Sonic, please do. Did Mario get struck by lighting while working around some volitile chemicals? Or is this going to be like Super Mario Bros. 2, where it turned out to be a dream he had while overdosing on Mushrooms?