On August 30, the RUN GIRLS (a race event for female runners) kicked off at the Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park. As part of the 17th Beijing Olympic City Sports Culture Festival, the event was co-hosted by the Beijing Olympic City Development Association (BODA) and the Shunyi District People’s Government of Beijing Municipality, and jointly organized by the Beijing Olympic City Development Center and the Shunyi District Sports Bureau, with support from Beijing Shunyi Culture and Tourism Group (BSCTG) and Beijing Shunlv Water Park Investment and Development Co., Ltd. High-ranking officials who sounded the starting horn for the race included Han Zirong, Member of the Party Leadership Group of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, President of the Beijing Federation of Literary and Art Circles (BFLAC), and Executive Vice Chairperson of BODA; Yao Hui, Vice Chairman and Secretary General of BODA and Director of the Beijing Olympic City Development Center; Shi Fenghua, Member of the Party Leadership Group of the Beijing Municipal Sports Bureau; Lei Xiaoning, Member of the Party Leadership Group and Vice President of the Beijing Women’s Federation; Zhou Xin, Deputy District Governor of Shunyi District; and Ma Hong, Member of the Party Leadership Group and Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Beijing Radio & Television Station. They were joined by representatives of event partners. Nearly 3,000 female runners participated in the 10km challenge at the venue built for the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics, showcasing the confidence, energy, and positivity of modern women.

Guests sound the starting horn for the race.

Since it was launched five years ago, the RUN GIRLS has consistently put female runners front and center, improving its event organization while enriching dedicated services and racing experiences for women. It has emerged as a distinctive recreational sports and cultural event of the Beijing Olympic City Sports Culture Festival.

Vibrancy of modern women

The Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park previously hosted the rowing, canoeing, and marathon swimming events of the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics. The entire course of this year’s RUN GIRLS was set within the park, and runners competed along expansive waters and waterfront green spaces, experiencing the vitality of running and the beauty of the eco-environment at the Olympic venue. The race also attracted international runners from 13 countries and regions, including France, Canada, Zimbabwe, Japan, and the UK. Additionally, teams from municipal trade unions, women’s federations, the Olympic Games Community Running Club, universities across Beijing, the He Yajun Vision-impaired Running Team, and the Beijing Doctors Runners also signed up, demonstrating the event’s broad appeal and popular support.

Women compete in the race.

After tough competition, Yang Xiaoli took first place with a time of 36 minutes and 46 seconds, An Yaping finished second in 38 minutes and 33 seconds, and Zhang Xiaomin placed third with 40 minutes and 57 seconds. The fourth through eighth finishers were: Lu Yan, Bai Chongli, Wang Yuanyuan, Shang Tiantian, and Liang Jingjing.

presenters take a group photo with the top three finishers.

Award presenters take a group photo with fourth to eighth finishers.

Women-centered care seen in every detail

As a women-only race, the RUN GIRLS delivered thoughtful services tailored to the specific needs of female runners before, during, and after the race. Prior to the race, relevant information was pushed via SMS and WeChat official accounts. At the competition venue, dedicated zones were set up for face painting, hair braiding, and professional sports portraits. Bubbles filled the air at both the start and finish lines, while motivational slogans, heart-shaped cooling sponges, and playful cartoon photo props lined the course, all designed to encourage and cheer on runners throughout their journey. A calorie-burning experience zone was also available, where finishers could take part in trendy and fun fitness challenges. A professional photography team captured  unforgettable moments throughout the race, giving participants rich experiences beyond the competition itself.

Enriched dual Olympic cultural experiences

The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 took place in Italy this year. As one of the key recreational sports and cultural events of the 17th Beijing Olympic City Sports Culture Festival, the RUN GIRLS preserved its distinct dual Olympic cultural elements. There was a dual Olympic campsite open to participants, integrating sports competition, Olympic culture, and experiential activities. The dual Olympic culture caravan showcased precious collections such as torches, medals, mascots, and badges from the two Olympic Games held in Beijing, bringing Olympic history to life through physical exhibits, archival footage, and guided tours. The campsite also offered canoeing experiences, and runners could enjoy the charm of water sports at the rowing and canoeing competition venue of the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics, further deepening their understanding of Olympic culture.

Launched by BODA in 2010, the Beijing Olympic City Sports Culture Festival is an IOC-certified flagship Olympic legacy program and has been successfully held 16 times. This year’s RUN GIRLS further expanded the event’s reputation, enhanced the brand image of the Beijing Olympic City Sports Culture Festival, and showcased the Olympic culture of the dual Olympic city as well as the confidence, energy, and positivity of modern women.