Elite race passes beautiful banks of Suzhou Ceek
Runners sprint from the starting point of the Shanghai International Elite 10k Race, which attracted over 6,000 participants this year.
Over 6,000 runners from both home and abroad took part in the third Shanghai International Elite 10k Race on October 21 at Changfeng Ecological Business Hub in Putuo District.
As part of the Shanghai International Marathon, the event has made the banks of Suzhou Creek a sports landmark. The first race was held in 2016 and is listed as a “silver medal event” by China Athletic Association.
This year’s elite race, run in Putuo’s comforting environment, aims to become a gold medal event, popular among local runners.
The race aims to showcase the city’s cultural and human images, enhance the influence of Putuo and promote the brand of the Shanghai International Marathon, said Zhou Jin, general manager with Shanghai East Best and Lansheng Event Management Co, the organizer of the race.
As Shanghai followed in Beijing’s footsteps by canceling the 21km international half marathon, more runners have shifted over to the 10km races.
The event has become the largest 10km race in downtown, with 6,400 runners taking part in elite race and 600 in the family event.
The organizer aims to make it the most professional 10km race in China.
To achieve the goal, most elite runners were invited based on their performances in previous races. Those who were qualified for last year’s 10km elite race were able to take part in this year’s event directly.
The entrance fee for the 10km race is 100 yuan (US$15) and 50 yuan for the family run.
The route remains same this year and contestants raced through the stunning backdrop of the Changfeng Ecological Business Hub and then along Suzhou Creek.
The waterfront area is surrounded by over 50 percent of greenery, ecological landscapes and a pleasant living environment.
The site once served the Shanghai Chemical Reagent Co, one of China’s homegrown industries. A 70-meter chimney from the factory has been preserved and serves as a landmark at the finish line of the family run.
Runners also had the chance to see other industrial relics along the race route, including former factories of matchboxes and ajinomoto, the Jackie Chan Film Gallery and the exhibition hall of Suzhou Creek’s industrial past.
Putuo district government has spent 13 years developing the hub into an ideal zone for living and entrepreneurship.
Newly built green spaces cover an area of 1.5 million square meters, which tops the urban districts in the city.
Furthermore, the district aims to develop the banks of Suzhou Creek into an active sports site.
Apart from the race, Putuo has held an international dragon boat race and bridge competition on the riverside this year. Putuo aims to make the banks of Suzhou Creek into the best place for citizens to visit, relax and take part in sports within five years.
