Runners share the joy of running despite the rain on Oct 22. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Hundreds of local runners braved the rain on Oct 22 to take part in the Run LJZ race in Shanghai's financial hub, Lujiazui.

The event, which was co-organized by Lujiazui Financial City Development Bureau, China Financial Information Center, and Lujiazui Group, aims to promote a healthy lifestyle among local workers.

The participants, aged between 18 and 40, followed a 10-kilometer route along Binjiang Avenue. The route starts and finishes at China Financial Information Center, with two turning points at Lujiazui West Road and Minsheng Road respectively.

A running association was inaugurated during the opening ceremony of the race, which will cater to local workers' sports and fitness needs.

The ceremony also featured a speech by swimming world champion Ning Zetao, who shared his experience of sports and exercise with the runners.

The event is part of the 10th Lujiazui Financial Culture Festival, a two-month-long festival that features a wide range of activities. An official said that the event is a significant way to turn Lujiazui into a cultural center as well as a financial center, as culture is just as important as the economy in overall societal development.