Lihu Lake marathon runners vow to return

It's a time to get together.

Most of the runners got to know each other on WeChat, and the marathon is a time for runners to get together, according to Diana Hsu-Hopkins from Wuxi City Guide, who has been organizing expats in Wuxi and neighboring cities to run in Wuxi since 2015.

"We don't really get together to practice because we live in different areas and have different schedules, but we share our running experiences together. It's very motivating when we ran together. We're a very supportive group," said Diana. When she saw a lot of girls cheering on the runners on the street, she got the thought that "it's really nice that they cheer for us. I want these girls to join us to run. It would be more fun if you actually ran!"

Diana Hsu-Hopkins(A21360) runs in the Lihu Lake half marathon in Wuxi on Nov 19. [Photo/m.yundong.runnerbar.com]

It offers a chance to catch up with old friends.

British runner Richard Whiddington, who ranked sixth in the marathon, had many words to say as he used to live and work in Wuxi for a year and just left to live in Beijing in August:

"I've run Wuxi marathon events three times now and am fortunate to say that I have enjoyed each experience. Every race comes with its own challenges, be they physical, mental, or factors beyond our control such as weather. Having lived and worked in Wuxi for a year, the city is special to me as a place that I have made life-long friends and created strong memories. I hope to return to Wuxi for many years to come not only because the race is well organized and takes place in wonderful surroundings but also because it gives me a chance to catch up with old friends."

Richard Whiddington(A15039) runs in the Lihu Lake half marathon in Wuxi on Nov 19.[Photo/m.yundong.runnerbar.com]