Running relay celebrates Asian Games

A running race starts at the Xiangshan Asian Games Sailing Center on April 8, attracting 200 participants. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Two hundred runners completed a 9.23-kilometer course in Xiangshan county, Ningbo on April 8, in celebration of the upcoming 19th Asian Games that are set to open on Sept 23.

The running race is part of a relay that kicked off in Hangzhou on April 1, and races are held successively in different cities, including Shaoxing, Ningbo, Jinhua, Wenzhou, and Huzhou. A total of 2022 runners are expected to participate in the event, with 1,022 participating in the first race in Hangzhou and 200 in each other city.

The race in Ningbo started at 8:00 am at the Xiangshan Asian Games Sailing Center, the venue for the sailing competitions of the 19th Asian Games, and attracted both locals and runners from cities such as Taizhou.

Tao Guangzhu, a participant from Sanmen county in Taizhou, got up early in the morning and spent 90 minutes driving to Xiangshan. Tao, who has been a running enthusiast for 10 years, runs 200 to 300 kilometers every month.

"Running helps me lower my glucose levels and my family supports my love for exercise," said Tao. "I've visited Xiangshan before but it's my first time to the Asian Games Sailing Center. The environment is great. And it's good to celebrate the Asian Games by running."

Qiu Shuangye is a 23-year-old medical worker in Xiangshan who is familiar with the races.

"I attended a 10-kilometer running race to welcome the games in March. I also decided to participate in this race as it's a healthy and energizing activity," she said.