简体中文
Fitness enthusiast, 69-year-old Shen Xiangyuan participates in online running events to keep fit during the pandemic in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, April 21, 2020. /VCG
The Chinese Athletics Association (CAA) on Saturday issued a guideline to ensure online running activities are scientifically organized and orderly.
Marathons have been enjoying increasing popularity among Chinese runners across the country in recent years, but many have been postponed or canceled due to the ongoing pandemic.
In the document, the CAA proposes that event organizers include shorter distances, such as the 5K, 10K and 15K, which are believed to pose lower risks to the general public.
The guideline also asked organizers to pay close attention to pandemic prevention and safety control during events, proactively advise participants exercise at home exercises before races to prevent crowding at the event site and select races according to their own fitness levels.
Organizers are also advised to provide insurance purchase options for competitors and remind them to secure insurance before participating in any of the running events.
Meanwhile, competitors should pay attention to their health and physical condition, and undergo a complete physical examination before joining a race.
Runners participate in the Guangzhou Marathon in southeast China's Guangdong Province, December 8, 2019. /VCG
Last month, an online marathon drew nearly 1,000 participantsin Northwest China's Shaanxi Province.
Runners can upload their results, certificated by running app, and running pictures after finishing their races to get their finisher's certificate and medals.
Shaanxi is set to host China's 14th National Games next year, and according to local authorities, some online competitions will be recognized as provincial preliminaries for the event.
(With input from Xinhua)
