Special marathon held to mark PLA’s 90th anniversary

A special marathon marking the 90th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army was held in Guangzhou on Aug 1.

A total of 59 runners of all ages set off from Guangzhou's iconic Canton Tower, following a route scattered with revolutionary sites.

Those sites included No 3 Xuguyuan road, the site for the Third National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the Martyrs' Park, Generalissimo Sun Yat-sen's Mansion, Site of the Chinese National Federation of Trade Unions and Memorial Hall of Chinese National Workers Movement.

The event featured a full, half, mini, and parent-child marathons.

The runners came from all walks of life and included college teachers, soldiers and public officials. All the runners dressed in red t-shirts, symbolizing the revolutionary spirit of perseverance and sportsmanship.

Participants of the special marathon held on Aug 1 to mark the 90th anniversary of the founding of the PLA. [Photo/gd.people.cn]

Zeng Xianbin, 60, was the oldest runner and the organizer of the competition, himself a marathon runner and ex-serviceman. Zeng said he wished to use the competition as a platform to pass on positive energy to the society.

The youngest runner was Cun Yunhan who at just six years old participated in the parent-child marathon.

The participants also included 11 workers from China Construction Eighth Engineering Division Corporation (CCEEDC) who used to be in the engineering corps of the PLA.

"We have the red gene in our blood and the marathon competition represents the culture of our company," said Guo Qingsong, chairman of CCEEDC. 

The route of the marathon covers a range of revolutionary sites in Guangzhou including the Martyrs' Park, Generalissimo Sun Yat-sen's Mansion, and Site of the Chinese National Federation of Trade Unions. [Photo/gd.people.cn] 

Zeng Xianbin, 60, organizer of the marathon, gives a thumbs-up while running. [Photo/gd.people.cn]