The 2017 Chicago Marathon was held on October 8. Consul General Hong Lei went to Chinatown to cheer for the Chinese runners.

Consul General Hong Lei told the press that in recent years, marathon has become increasingly popular in China. As one of the ten major marathon races in the world, the Chicago Marathon has attracted more and more Chinese participants with the number growing from 467 in 2015 to 555 in 2016. The number this year has reached a record high of over 1,500, showcasing Chinese people’s increasing interest in fitness and the sound momentum of Sino-US friendly exchanges.

To cheer for runners from all over the world and particularly those from China, Chicago Chinatown Special Events Committee and the organizer of the Chicago marathon maintained close cooperation, setting up an cheering station in Chinatown. The Chinese American Service League, the Chinatown Chamber of Commerce in Chicago, the American Fujian Business Association, the Chicago Guangzhou Association and other Chinese community organizations also actively participated in the event by organizing their members to provide volunteer services.

Audiences poured into Chinatown to cheer for the Marathon. The five-star red flags of China and the national flags of the United States flew side by side. Various Chinese community organizations hang banners and cheered for Chinese runners and runners from other nations.

The Chicago Marathon was first held in 1977. This year, 45,000 athletes from over 50 states across the US and over 100 countries around the world participated in the race. The 26.2-mile long Marathon went through 29 historical neighborhoods in Chicago. 1.7 million people watched the race and cheered for the athletes.

Deputy Consul General Yu Peng also attended the event.