2017.03.20

The Times Property 2017 Qingyuan International Marathon was held on March 19. More than 20,000 runners from all over the world participated amid the beautiful scenery of the Beijiang River and its shoreline. Thus the excitement and drama of the competition answered the great changes taking place in the city of Qingyuan while mirroring the charming scenery of the environment. The event, as it unfolded, was "a race for the ideal amid a beautiful landscape."

It was said that March 19, 2017, was a particularly busy day. Besides Times Property • 2017 Qingyuan International Marathon, there were 16 marathons worldwide, including such diverse locations as Chengdu, Wuxi, Shanghai, Israel, Tokyo, Marseilles and Los Angeles. Thus the marathoners in Qingyuan Marathon were not alone. The spirit of friendly competition was shared by athletes from all over the world.

An amazing journey with 20,000 marathoners accompanying you on your way

The morning of the 19th found the Qingyuan Marathon contestants finishing their warm-up exercises, and everything was prepared for the race to begin.

At eight o'clock, the judges fired their starting pistols, and the crowd of contestants surged forward.

As the starting shot sounded, twenty runners started off together from the Gymnasium of Qingyuan, embarking on a 42-kilometer journey of challenge and joy.

· A joyful start

On the track of Qingyuan Marathon, the contestants from Times Property held signboards and moved forward.

Although rain began within an hour of the start, it couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of the runners and spectators.

· When we decided to take part in the marathon, we wouldn't give up but went on with our raincoats and umbrellas.

Initially I imagined that the marathon would be a serious event, but the fact is . . . .

· All kinds of exciting signposts

In order to keep the contestants relaxed and running happily, the organizing committee introduced a number of extraordinary ideas.

· Various inspiring slogans

· There were refueling stations with hot music and dance along the track.

· We also had cheering squads of lovely ladies in Qingyuan's special costumes.

It is often said that "running is a person's sport as well as an education." However, the Qingyuan Marathon proved to be a carnival. It reminded us to enjoy each moment and live in the present. Let's take every step with delight in our hearts!

Forget about social status. We're all runners.

The Qingyuan Marathon was certainly an opportunity for the runners to challenge their personal best and achieve breakthroughs, but it was also a chance to show their individuality and experience the liberation of the spirit. On the course, people were no longer who they were in daily life, such as an office worker who works from nine to five every day or a housewife who goes to the market and does the housework every day. They were vibrant runners who dressed in the roles they liked, enjoying this journey in fullness of heart.

Although they were from different countries, when they were on the course they weren't who they always were. Runners were all the same, and they were equals.

· You could chase a team with close friends.

Or, you could run with your little buddies.

There was no age limit!

On the course, we shared a common goal: to cross the finish line!

A considerate, well organized security system ensured the safety of the runners.

I noticed that there groups waited on both sides of the course at intervals of 100 meters. They kept their eyes on the runners at all times and immediately helped anyone who was in trouble, in order to create a good condition for the runners. So, every runner was able to pursue a new personal best.

They were part of a medical rescue and security system that was established by the organizing committee. The system consisted of nearby hospitals, ambulances, medical stations, riding medical-aid teams, medical volunteers, physician runners and the Guangzhou Blue Sky Rescue Association, all of whom ensured the safety of the event.

Runners could be at ease and run as they already had such a secure support network.

· Ge Changwei (left), secretary of the CPC Qingyuan Municipal Committee, set an example in supporting the Qingyuan Marathon. He not only participated but also finished the entire race.

The runners crossed the finish line over a period of hours, thus marking the end of a wonderful journey. In addition to the insistence and transcendence we learned from the marathon, in a broader sense we learned to live for today and cherish what we have now. Moreover, the marathon reminded us that everyone is equal in the journey of life. We have to strive toward our own destiny step by step.