KFC family run helping create a 'healthy China'

More than 500 families took part in the KFC Happy Family Run at Pudong Expo BMW Experience Center last Saturday afternoon.

With the theme of “Run, together,” the family run is part of the interactive activities of the Shanghai International Marathon and has been held since 2016.

The event aims to encourage children to develop a habit of running and find a balance between eating and exercise.

Joey Wat, CEO of Yum China and Zhou Jin, vice secretary of the Shanghai International Marathon Organizing Committee, fired the pistol together at 2pm to signal the start of the 1 kilometer race.

“Regular exercise and leading a healthy, active lifestyle are important for everyone — it is particularly important for children and young people to develop healthy habits that will benefit them throughout their lives,” Joey Wat said. “Yum China is committed to promoting balanced, active lifestyles through a number of initiatives, such as our sponsorship of marathon events in over 20 cities across China. We will continue to support initiatives that help create a ‘healthy China’.”

One of the highlights of this year’s event was that it was the first time foreign children have joined in. Some sanitation workers, police officers and volunteers were also invited to take part.

Each participant who finished the race received a medal and a certificate from KFC and the Shanghai International Marathon Organizing Committee. Johnson Huang, general manager of KFC China, awarded the prizes to the top 3 runners.

"Our brand is very popular among children in China and we are focused on improving their well-being," Huang said. "KFC’s ‘Family Run’ initiative encourages families across the country to come together and take part in family runs, inspiring children to lead active, healthy lifestyles from an early age."

After the race, the little runners headed to the interactive area near the race track to read books, paint pictures and watch a puppet show with their parents.