Cross-Straits runners light up the night in Pingtan

The 2nd Cross-Straits Light Night Run Festival kicked off in Pingtan, South China's Fujian province on the night of September 16.

Nearly 3,000 running enthusiasts from the mainland, Taiwan and several foreign countries participated in the event.

Wearing a dazzling array of fluorescent sports gear and glow-in-the-dark bracelets, the crowd of runners created a spectacular light as they ran along the city's coastline.

Concerts, street dance shows and graffiti exhibitions were also organized along the five-kilometer course for this year’s event.

Before setting off, the runners got to enjoy a night bazaar set up at Haiyu Plaza, the starting point of the race, where a wide range of products made by over 50 cross-Straits craftspeople were on display.

Wu Yuhu, a Taiwan resident, travelled to Pingtan to take part in the night run after hearing about the event on TV.

"I am glad I came here, and it is a good opportunity to make friends with other runners," Wu said.

Nian Qing, director of Pingtan Long-distance Running Association, also participated in the event along with other members of the association, the oldest of which was aged over 60.

"It is a common practice for us to go running along the road circling the island, and the night run is beneficial to both our physical and mental health," he said.

The event, sponsored by Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone administrative committee, is just one of a series of events to promote the city's image of being a tourism, sports and leisure destination.