Volunteers stand by the racing track to maintain order at the Jilin city event on May 9. [Photo/Jiangcheng Daily]

The 2021 Chinese Spring Long-distance Running Festival kicked off in Jilin city, Jilin province, on May 9. Building momentum for the upcoming 2021 Jilin City International Marathon, the activity attracted 2,500 participants this year, who were cheered on by numerous local residents.

At 9:30 am, the runners rushed past the starting line as the starting pistol sounded. Given that sports deliver positive energy and the power of health and happiness, such fitness-for-all programs will benefit social development.

Hosted by the Jilin Municipal Government and organized by the city's sports departments, the event served as a warm-up for the marathon and was designed to provide an experience platform for running enthusiasts and boom the development of the city's national fitness campaign.

This year, the organizer made a new plan for the route with a total length of 10 kilometers, and set up a 10-kilometer individual race and a 5-kilometer parent-child race. While enjoying the fun of sports, runners were able to appreciate the cityscape of Jilin.

It's noteworthy that the event's key referees and volunteers were selected from the personnel of the 2021 Jilin City International Marathon as an exercise for the much-anticipated major race.

During the run, the track area was semi-closed in order to ensure safety and good viewing for spectators. There were water supply points, first-aid stations and signboards along the way, and qualified medical personnel were ready to lend assistance in case of emergencies.

In addition, the municipal public security bureau sent guide cars to the festival for public protection.