Guiyang people run into new year

A running event involving 3,000 participants was held on Dec 29 at Guanshanhu Park in Guiyang, capital city of Guizhou province, to welcome the upcoming new year.

The event has been held annually in Guiyang since 1972, as local residents look to start the new year off with an optimistic, healthy attitude. This year's event included a six-kilometer casual run as well as a 12-km race, making the event more competitive compared to previous years.

"I'm happy to see my son enjoying himself, though the weather is less than ideal," said Lei Qiuyun, a Guiyang resident who participated in the six-km run with his three-year-old son, "and I think it's great to greet the new year in such a healthy way."

Shi Liying, a 56-year-old participant wearing a traditional red cheongsam dress caught the most attention during the 12-km race. She has participated in several marathons before. "I believe the red cheongsam is a good omen for wonderful things to come in the new year," said Shi.

Li Wenjie won the men's race with a time of 45 minutes and 36 seconds. Guo Liping took the crown for the women's race with a time of one hour two minutes and 57 seconds.