On 7 September, the RUN GIRLS women’s race of the 16th Beijing Olympic City Sports Culture Festival was successfully held at the Ming Tombs Reservoir in Changping District of Beijing. The event was jointly hosted by the Beijing Olympic City Development Association (BODA) and the Changping District People’s Government of Beijing Municipality, and co-organised by the Beijing Olympic City Development Centre, the Changping District Sports Bureau and the Shisanling Town People’s Government of Changping District.
（(Firing of starting guns)
The 10-kilometre women’s race began at the Ming Tombs Reservoir dam and extended along Reservoir West Road, passing through several landmarks such as the Relief Sculpture Wall and Yongle Camp. The route had some sections overlapping with the triathlon track of the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics, and the finish line was located north of the West Dam on Reservoir West Road. Along the route, runners would be treated to stunning maintain and lake views and rich cultural heritage, while enjoying the beautiful natural scenery. They could admire the picturesque landscape up close, marvel at the vast skies and clouds in the distance, and fully immerse themselves in the race to meet the best version of themselves.
The race began at 8:00 AM. Under the guidance of professional coaches, the female runners performed pre-game warm-ups to the rhythm of energetic music. Among them were notable figures like the 62-year-old runner Xing Ruling, affectionately known as “Grandma Xing” in the running circle. There were also participants from municipal trade unions, universities in Beijing, and groups like He Yajun Blind Running Club and Beijing Olympic Games Community Running Group. The event also welcomed international female runners from countries like the United States and Zimbabwe. With the sound of the starting whistle, the participants took off running, measuring the course with their footsteps and demonstrating the beauty, strength, confidence and resilience of contemporary women along the way.
(Competition highlights)
After intense competition, An Yaping was the first to cross the finish line with a time of 38 minutes and 53 seconds, securing the championship title. This marks her second consecutive win following her victory last year. Wang Yuefei took the second spot with a time of 40 minutes and 22 seconds, and Zhang Yang grabbed the third spot with a time of 41 minutes and 28 seconds. Chen Min, Wang Jiahui, Zhang Qiao, Yu Ziyi and Liu Juan won the fourth to eighth places, respectively.
(A group photo of top three finishers)
(A group photo of 4th to 8th finishers)
Xing Ruling, who participated in RUN GIRLS for the first time, stated that with her dedication and passion for running, she hoped to convey the message that “age is no barrier to exercise.” He Yajun Blind Running Club made its second appearance at RUN GIRLS with a team of 27 participants, double the size of last year. Zhang Juan, a female runner from the club, said that although persons with visual impairment may not clearly see the colours of the world, they are eager to integrate into the community and experience its warmth and vibrancy. By participating in events like RUN GIRLS, she hoped that the society could show greater respect and care for people with disabilities, so as to foster an inclusive society where everyone, regardless of whether or not they have a disability, can contribute and thrive together.
RUN GIRLS is a race dedicated to female runners. The hosts of this year’s event paid high attention to every detail, ensuring a thoughtful and unique experience for all participants. Prior to the race, relevant information was distributed via SMS and Weixin official accounts. During the race, professional medical stations equipped with portable automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and other emergency devices were set up at the start line, along the route, and at the finish line to ensure the safety and health of the runners. Hydration and energy replenishment stations were available throughout the route to help runners maintain performance levels. Professional stylists were hired to create personalised looks for the runners, and photographers were on hand to capture the amazing moments of the runners. After crossing the finish line, each runner was presented with a specially-designed medal and a bouquet of flowers, adding a sense of ceremony to wrap up their fulfilling “running journey.”
(Highlights off the field)
High-ranking officials present at the event included Han Zirong, Executive Vice Chairperson of BODA and President of the Beijing Federation of Literary and Art Circles; Fu Xiaohui, Vice Chairman and Secretary General of BODA and Director of the Beijing Olympic City Development Centre; Shi Fenghua, Deputy Director of the Beijing Municipal Sports Bureau; Zhang Ningyu, Vice President of the Beijing Women’s Federation; and Chen Xiang, member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Changping District Committee and Director of the Publicity Department. They were joined by Li Jian, Chairman of Radio Beijing Corporation, Qiao Kun, Secretary of the CPC Shisanling Town Committee, as well as representatives from the business community.
Given the growing popularity of mass running events in recent years, BODA launched RUN GIRLS in 2022 in an effort to meet the public’s increasing demand for running and fitness. Designed specifically for female runners, the women’s race is a key part of the Beijing Olympic City Sports Culture Festival. RUN GIRLS has now gained fame as a female only race. This year, the event received Class B certification from the China Athletics Association (CAA). This certification allows runners to upload their finishing times to the CAA’s road running results database, providing them with a more professional and authoritative racing experience. In the future, BODA will continue to well organise the event and strengthen its influence, with a view to injecting strong “She Power” into the fitness-for-all initiative, the Healthy China Initiative and the endeavour to build China into a country strong in sports.
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