City promotes fitness activities

Writer: Han Ximin | Editor: Zhang Chanwen | From: Shenzhen Daily | Updated: 2023-11-02

Nearly 500 people from government agencies, public institutions, and running clubs participated in a running event at Lianhua Hill Park yesterday, marking the 44th Shenzhen Long-Distance Running Day and the 2023 Shenzhen Fitness Month.

For the city’s fitness month, 107 sporting venues across the city are opening their doors to the public, either for free or at reduced prices, to encourage citizens to engage in more public fitness activities. Residents can make reservations at these venues through the “i深圳” app, and certified coaches at 60 city-level service spots are also available to provide guidance.

In addition, the month is set to feature 105 major activities in sports such as soccer, basketball, badminton, tennis, table tennis, and chess. The Shenzhen Center for Physical Fitness Evaluation and Physical Exercise Guidance, along with its district-level offices, will offer a range of activities, including sports skills training, scientific fitness guidance, and physical fitness tests to further enrich citizens’ lives.

At yesterday’s inauguration ceremony, the Chinese King Kong Runners’ Club squad led squads from 23 other clubs in a 3-kilometer run inside the park.

“Shenzhen has an excellent environment, facilities, and atmosphere for running. We have many parks, coastal areas, and over 1,000 different running clubs,” Zhao Jijun, co-founder of the Chinese King Kong Runners’ Club, said at an interview.

Founded in 2014, the club has become one of the most influential running clubs in China, with 700 members in four branches.

“The club organizes two regular running activities each week, offering members the opportunity to run at parks near their neighborhoods and embark on long-distance runs on weekends at Shenzhen Bay Park and Dasha River Ecological Corridor,” Zhao said.

Moreover, the club schedules birthday running events every three months and actively encourages its members to participate in marathons across the country.

Official data reveals that Shenzhen residents had a per capita spending on sports of 3,765 yuan (US$514.38) in 2022, making it one of the leading cities in China in this regard. Shenzhen has designated Nov. 1 as Shenzhen Long-Distance Running Day and the entire month of November as Shenzhen Fitness Month.

Members of the Chinese King Kong Runners Club run at the Lianhua Hill Park in Futian District yesterday. Photos by courtesy of Chinese King Kong Runners Club

Runners pose for a group photo.

Runners in action at yesterday's running event at Lianhua Hill Park to mark the 44th Shenzhen Long-Distance Running Day and kick of the 2023 Shenzhen Fitness Month.

Runners pose for a group photo.

Members of the Chinese King Kong Runners Club run at the Lianhua Hill Park in Futian District yesterday.