“Run into the green world and future” is the theme of 2017 Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) Marathon, which brought together 264 influential celebrities, business elites, and Marathon lovers on September 16.

The long-distance running race comprised three groups: full marathon (with an official distance of 42.195 kilometers), half marathon (21.0975 km, half the distance of a marathon), and kid marathon (2 km).

Mr. LI Hongwei, CPC secretary and deputy director of XTBG, encouraged the runners to enjoy the gorgeous natural environment of XTBG at the opening ceremony. He said that the marathon will give runners a tour of big botanical garden and rich biodiversity, run into the green world and future.

All runners start running at 7:00. It is not only a professional marathon competition, but also an environment educational activity. Runners got a unique opportunity to combine sport and eco-tourism as they run through the botanical garden with 13000 plant species and the green stone forest. It is an incredible way to experience the natural environment.

All runners receive a finisher’s medal, in languages of Chinese, English, and Dai.

A transdisciplinary dialogue was held between influential celebrities and XTBG scientists after the race. The participants discussed efforts to promote ecological progress. Prof. Chen Jin, director of XTBG, said that botanical gardens are trying to promote ecological progress and protect biodiversity. He hoped that trans-disciplinary communication between scientists and marathon lovers especially influential celebrities will contribute to promote ecological progress. The participants brainstormed and regarded that scientific research and marathon event may join hands to bring together the public to contribute to ecological civilization.

XTBG also organized an activity named "Orchid Returns", which provides marathon players with chances to know rare orchids. It also offered lectures on biodiversity conservation and sightseeing in the evening, etc.

The marathon event opened the veil of 2017 National Day of Science at XTBG.

Mr. Li Hongwei speaks at the opening ceremony

Runners ready to start

Run in the tropical rainforest

Run at the Flower Garden

Yang Darong, a retired professor of XTBG, run the marathon.

A runner reaches the final line.

Mr. Li Hongwei gives certificates to prize winners.

Participants at "Transdisciplinary dialogue to promote ecological progress" pose a photo.