More than 5,000 runners took part in a special running competition held in Guangzhou on Nov 24.

The annual Guangzhou Run for Fun Competition has gained increasing popularity year by year and this year's event saw the participation of 108 companies, government agencies and public institutions including 20 Fortune 500 enterprises. Runners also included those from the British Consulate-General in Guangzhou and Australian Consulate-General in Guangzhou.

More than 5,000 runners participate in the 2017 Guangzhou Run for Fun Competition which was held on Nov 24 on Haixinsha Island. [Photo/southcn.com] 

The five-kilometer race started from Haixinsha Asian Olympic Games Park and passed through a range of Guangzhou's scenic spots including Liede Bridge, Canton Tower and Guangdong Museum which are considered as the core central business district (CBD) of the city.

This year, 10 runners were nominated as ambassadors for the event, including Karen Maddocks, consul-general of British Consulate-General in Guangzhou. Maddocks spoke highly of the activity and said she looked forward to next year's event.

Apart from enjoying the beautiful views during the competition, runners could also learn more about Guangzhou's distinctive culture via special folk art experience zones which were set up along the course. Other interesting interactive activities, such as innovative photo walls and virtual reality shows, were also organized.

"Vanke attaches great importance on health keeping and we wish the activity can motivate more people to exercise and that we can keep holding this activity," said Tang Jiyang, general manager of Guangzhou Vanke Real Estate, the organizer of the running competition.

After the race, group runners from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Guangzhou Metro and China Southern Airlines were unveiled as the top three winners.

Runners pose for a photo after the competition. [Photo/southcn.com]