More than 10,000 people to run for charity marathon

More than 10,000 people will run in a charity marathon in Shenzhen on Dec 16.

The organizers at the Xiantong Sports Park in Shenzhen made the announcement on Nov 20.

"The Run for Love" marathon is an annual event that has been organized since 2009 by One Foundation; the Shenzhen Culture, Sports and Tourism Administration; the Shenzhen Yantian district government; and the Shenzhen Mountaineering and Outdoor Sports Association.

According to One Foundation, the number of people participating in the event increases every year. This year, organizers limited the numbers of ordinary runners to 10,000, and all slots were filled by Nov 6. Applicants are from 22 countries and districts.

In addition to the 60 yuan ($9.60) registration fee, runners have so far donated 195,757 yuan to the foundation, and all the money will go to orphans in Southwest China who suffer because of freezing weather.

The marathon is divided into three divisions: full-length (42 km), half-length (21 km) and experience division (10 km).

This year, organizers also set up a special track, 5.6 km long, for an additional group of 100 leaders from different industries. They need to donate at least 10,000 yuan to join the event.

Li Songtao, secretary-general of Shenzhen Mountaineering and Outdoor Sports Association, reminded the entrants, especially those entering the marathon for the first time, to practice before they run to keep health risks to a minimum.

Li said the association has organized three free courses to help the entrants to practice, and another five will take placebefore the game starts.