The 50th New Year's Day Long Run kicked off on January 1, 2024, at Jiefang Square, Shijiazhuang, and it was nothing short of remarkable. The event drew around 20,000 eager participants who were ready to welcome the new year with vigor and enthusiasm. Featuring both the 10-kilometer New Year's Run and the 6-kilometer Family Health Run, the event has grown significantly since its inception.
Founded on January 1, 1959, this much-anticipated occasion has become ingrained within the local culture, serving as both a fitness challenge and communal celebration. According to local reports, the original iteration of the event was known as the Shijiazhuang New Year's Cross-Country Run, before being renamed to its current title. Over the decades, the run has transformed it to adopt changes, keeping it fresh and engaging for the community.
The recent registration period proved how much love and interest there is for this event—on December 1, 2023, when the online registration opened, all 20,000 available slots were filled within just four hours! This overwhelming demand demonstrates its popularity among locals, families, and long-distance runners alike, united by their passion for fitness and community.
One of the standout figures at this year’s event was Song Chensheng, now 69, who recalls his first participation back in 1975. "I participated in the 9-kilometer segment, and my participant number was 1352. Finishing 12th remains one of my most cherished memories," Song said, reflecting on the competitive spirit and excitement of those earlier years.
This year, Song continued his tradition of running, embodying the event’s evolution from competitive racing to broader community engagement. Another local, He Lei, who has been running since 2019, spoke about the rejuvenation running brings to his life—"Running has become my 'recharger' for life," he stated, highlighting the joy and balance it provides amid daily pressures.
The Shijiazhuang New Year's Day Long Run is notable not only for its achievements but also for its efforts to promote physical fitness and public health. Wang Jinghua, president of the Shijiazhuang Road Running Association, mentioned how the focus has shifted more toward community involvement and wellness since the 2008 Olympics. Previously competitive events have transformed significantly, emphasizing fitness among citizens rather than merely chasing medals.
These changes reflect broader national health initiatives as the government promotes public health as part of its strategic goals. With 92 registered running clubs boasting over 30,000 members, the Shijiazhuang Road Running Association has become pivotal, organizing upwards of 20 public training events annually.
Wang’s own involvement began rather uniquely; juggling work responsibilities left little time for physical activity until he participated one New Year’s Day, where he felt the electrifying spirit of communal joy. "It was here I found joy and vibrancy among everyone else running", Wang said, clearly passionate about fostering such connections through shared physical experiences.
For many participants, like Lei and his family, the event is more than just about fitness—it's about building memories together. "I was lucky to get my wife and kid involved too, and we’re all excited to run the Health Run together!” He voiced the thrill of engaging with loved ones on the open course as they welcome the new year.
The run is not merely timed but serves as the perfect platform for camaraderie, where athletes and families mingle, share experiences, and relish the festive atmosphere. Each year, thousands anticipate this event as it symbolizes not just the transition of the calendar but also their commitment to health and happiness.
After years of nurturing this beloved occasion, it has grown immensely, echoing the vitality and spirit of Shijiazhuang. On this first morning of the new year, the air buzzed with excitement as participants readied themselves to embrace both the physical challenge and the communal celebration. "2025, let's run for it!" rang out, capturing the current energy as the city came together once more.
The Shijiazhuang New Year's Day Long Run has truly blossomed from its modest beginnings to become significant urban event, challenging residents to pursue fitness and celebrate life each January 1st. The next edition promises to be even more exhilarating, and as word of this festive event spreads, it’s sure to attract even more locals and visitors alike, eager to participate and share their own stories and aspirations as they run toward another year of triumph.