A gala for running enthusiasts

Liu Shiyang, Han Ximin

susanliusy@163.com

Runners competing at yesterday’s Shenzhen International Marathon. Photos by Sun Yuchen

An angel-like runner.

A runner at yesterday’s Shenzhen International Marathon.

An expat runner makes a triumphant gesture after finishing the run.

◄Kenyan runners Evans Kipchirchir Sambu (C), Jamin Elai Ngaukon (L) and Joel Kipsang Kositany celebrate after winning the top three prizes yesterday.

►Ethiopians Tinbit Gidey Weldegebriel (C), Almaz Negede Fekade and Tsgereda Girma Ayele celebrate after winning the top three prizes yesterday.

COMPARED to the serious runners in the full- and half-marathon races, the 6-kilometer run was more easy and relaxing.

Families, groups of friends and people of a variety of ages took part in the run and gala on Shennan Boulevard.

Some of them were dressed in flashy costumes, such as the Monkey King from “Journey to the West,” an imperial-style emperor with a crown, or even more Western heroes like Spiderman and Superman, or holding a torch to look like the Statue of Liberty. The runners entertained themselves while entertaining others, adding a touch of humor and fun to the event.

“It’s my second year running a marathon in Shenzhen and we are happy to be in the city,” said a woman surnamed Chen who dressed like a primitive human being with three other runners.

They finished the run 10 minutes before the deadline.

“Along the way, we took a lot of photos. Some of them were taken by request with other runners. The journey was a lot of fun. We don’t care about the time as long as we can finish the run,” said Chen, a regular runner from Beijing.

Chen likes the cool weather in Shenzhen very much. She hopes she can run in Shenzhen with her running club every year if they can register.

Some elderly runners also showed their love of running. Dong Yan, a man in his 70s, ran 6 kilometers with three of his family members.

“It is comfortable. Running 6 kilometers isn’t much different from taking a walk. I keep a habit of walking and running this distance as another type of physical exercise,” said Dong.

(Editor Lily A)