Tina Chen
A CHARITY mountain marathon will be run Dec. 19 in Yantian to raise money for a youth education project, the city s civil affairs bureau told a news conference yesterday.
Funds will be collected on the basis of 1 yuan (US$0.15) per kilometer run by every participant in the Run For Love 2010 Shenzhen (Yantian) Mountain Marathon. This is the second year the event has been run.
The marathon is being organized by the Yantian District Sports Administration and the Shenzhen Mountaineering and Outdoor Sports Association. More than 1,000 people had so far applied to participate, according to Cao Jun, vice head of the association.
The 42-km marathon track leads from the mountains around Dameisha Beach Park to Maluanshan Suburban Park.
There are also 21-km and 10-km distances to encourage broader participation.
Intending runners can register online at www.smoa.org.cn/love, or call 0755-8258-1125. Participants are required to provide a health certificate obtained no more than a year ago.
Souvenirs and medals will be awarded to runners, rather than cash prizes.
The Shenzhen Charity Association will invite a number of celebrities to run and auction souvenirs bearing their signatures to raise money.
All proceeds will be used to fuel an education project providing outdoor activities, excursions and cultural exchange opportunities for young people aged from 14 to 25.
Run For Love is the first of its kind in China, said Yu Zhisheng, vice head of the Shenzhen Municipal Civil Affairs Bureau. It s one of the highlights of the campaign launched to promote charity among the public in Shenzhen.
Yu called for more people to take part in the marathon.
More than 800 people, including expats from 11 countries, participated in the first Run For Love last year.
Six soldiers from the PLA Hong Kong Garrison were the highlight of last year s marathon, winning every competition in the men s group.
Last year s run raised more than 200,000 yuan with the help of the One Foundation, founded by actor and China Red Cross ambassador, Jet Li.
