Women's micro marathon helps children in need

The 2023 Shenzhen Women’s Fashion Micro Marathon kicked off in Dalang Fashion Town in Longhua District yesterday, marking the upcoming International Women’s Day that will fall on Wednesday.

Runners of the 2023 Shenzhen Women's Fashion Micro Marathon start the run yesterday. Photos by Sun Yuchen except otherwise stated

The micro marathon also raised funds for needy and underprivileged children.

Over 3,800 runners participated in the activity. Chen Liqin, an elite champion runner in some half marathons in Guangxi and Hubei in 2021, won first place with 37 minutes and 50 seconds in the 10-kilometer race.

Top three winners of the marathon pose for a photo with their trophies and bouquets in their hands yesterday. Wang Haolan

The micro marathon, organized by the Shenzhen Women’s Federation and Longhua District, consisted of a 10-kilometer fashion run and a 3.8-kilometer fun run.

A family of runners smile as they run. The family was among the 30 families the organizer selected to provide volunteer services during the micro marathon. 

According to the organizers, all the registration fees of the activity will be sent to the Shenzhen Women and Children Development Fund to help at least 1,000 needy and underprivileged children realize their dreams. To encourage women to participate in fashionable garments during the micro marathon, the organizers set up areas for women to display their garments and decorations.

“This marathon is a visual feast. You can enjoy a fashion show of Chinese costumes before the race starts,” a runner surnamed Wang said at an interview.

Performers wearing traditional Chinese costumes wave to the runners to cheer them up during the 2023 Shenzhen Women’s Fashion Micro Marathon in Dalang Fashion Town in Longhua District. 

Another runner, surnamed Chen, praised the upbeat atmosphere which was accompanied by rhythmic music and cheers from residents and performances by music bands and singers along the way.

“It is a really great activity. We even had a carnival for foodies for runners to enjoy after the race. It is a surprise,” said Chen, who brought her kid to the event.