The "AIA Insurance · 2024 Shanghai Easy Run Elite Race" officially kicked off at Hongkou Football Stadium on September 15 as part of the Shanghai Fourth Citizen Sports Games.
It was co-hosted by the Shanghai Social Sports Management Center and the Hongkou District Sports Bureau. Nearly 5,000 participants took to the vibrant streets, creating a dynamic backdrop alongside iconic city landmarks.
Many runners had already gathered at the starting point for warm-up exercises by 6:30am. During the opening ceremony, Hongkou District Director Lu Ming presented a flag symbolizing the spirit of the Easy Run to athlete representatives.
Following the lead of Xu Bin, Director of the Shanghai Sports Bureau, leaders and guests sounded the starting horn, marking the event's 10th anniversary.
This year's competition featured two categories: a 10-kilometer elite run and a 4-kilometer family run.
The route meandered along Sichuan Road N. and North Suzhou Road, passing by significant "old Shanghai" landmarks like the Shanghai Postal Museum, Broadway Mansion and Waibaidu Bridge.
It then continued along East Changzhi Road, Changyang Road, and Dalian Road, leading into the North Bund riverside area, showcasing modern attractions such as the International Cruise Terminal, before culminating at The Grand Halls' five-meter platform.
Each step on the course encapsulated a piece of Shanghai's rich urban history and transformation over the past century.
Notable participants included renowned pianist Kong Xiangdong, Olympic sailing champion Xu Lijia, and former Chinese national volleyball player Qin Siyu.
Kong, excited about the journey through his birthplace, expressed his joy in participating in such a meaningful health event. He noted, "Fitness isn't about speed or strength; it’s about long-term persistence. It not only brings comfort to oneself but also peace of mind to loved ones."
Xu Lijia and Qin Siyu engaged with attendees by recording a vlog at the event, sharing their athletic experiences.
Xu remarked, "Running along this route, I find myself observing the scenery more closely, as it’s a wonderful way to explore the city." After completing the 10-kilometer run, she celebrated her achievement with a medal at The Grand Halls.
At the finish line, the stunning juxtaposition of the Bund's historic architecture with the modern skyline of Lujiazui left runners in awe, prompting many to capture the moment.
A participant surnamed Wang, who traveled from France to join the race, said, "having lived in France for over twenty years, my father used to work in Hongkou. It felt significant to participate in a long run here, as the route has changed significantly since my childhood."
As in previous years, the medals for the Easy Run Elite Race incorporated distinct elements of Shanghai and Hongkou.
Featuring the white magnolia, Shanghai's city flower, at the center, the medal showcased sculptures of iconic buildings like Lujiazui and the Grand Halls, symbolizing a journey from the Grand Halls to the world.
The design reflects the close connection between the Easy Run Elite Race and Shanghai, embodying the city's sporting spirit and cultural landscape.
Since its establishment in Hongkou in 2014, the Easy Run brand has evolved into one of Shanghai's most recognized running events.
As a premier representation of high-quality sports events in Hongkou, the Easy Run Elite Race not only supports Shanghai's fitness initiatives but also extends its influence nationally and internationally, promoting the integration of commerce, tourism, culture, and sports in Hongkou and beyond.
This year, the event experience has been enhanced, deeply integrating the "Most Shanghai" concept to showcase the unique charm of Hongkou to runners from around the globe. The race aims to continuously improve its quality and enrich its offerings, aspiring to become a new emblem of Shanghai's sports culture.