Running has been popular in Shanghai. Photo provided to Shanghai Star

 

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It's the fitness craze sweeping Shanghai, and the city is hosting a string of events for people who just love to run. Wang Zhenghua reports.

What's the most popular sport in Shanghai this fall? Running. The craze was likely inspired by The Color Run, a unique race in which the participants are covered in paint. The event drew a large number of fans when it held its first race in Shanghai in September. Since then, there have been a slew of new running meet-ups happening in the city, in addition to already established events. Shanghai Star looks at some of the top events that will take place in the coming month. Please note, some of these races have already filled all their places - if you want to take part next year, you will have to be quick.

Amway Nutrilite Health Run on Oct 18

Amway Nutrilite Health Run is organized by the municipal government with Amway as its title sponsor. The run will start at the China Art Museum on October 18. This year, organizers will add a large billboard at the terminal, for runners to leave comments, messages to their loved ones or simply to show off their achievements. A big trophy, a free pass to Expo Milano 2015 and round-trip air tickets to Italy, are up for grabs. There will be charity sales during the event, and Amway China will donate 10 yuan ($1.6) to a foundation on behalf of each of the 8,000 participants. All of the money collected will be donated to cancer research. The event was launched in 2002 and has attracted about 3.5 million participants so far. This event has been fully booked.

New Balance Hero Run 6km Charity

Race on Oct 25

Organized by New Balance Trading (China) Co, this event is comprised of six stations located across six Chinese cities. Each station has been paired with another, meaning two cities challenge each other, to see which metropolis has more runners that can run 6km in 45 minutes. Shanghai races Beijing, Chengdu races Chongqing and Guangzhou races Shenzhen. The city with the best times will raise the most money for sports shoes to be donated to poverty-stricken children through the Yao Foundation, started by NBA legend Yao Ming. Runners from Shanghai will challenge their competitors from Beijing at 9am on Oct 25 starting at Shanghai Oriental Sports Center. A total of 5,000 runners will be enlisted in each city and participants can sign up for the event by logging on to herorun.newbalance.com.cn. So, are you ready to fight for the glory of your city?