Chen Shu, Lee Kum Kee's associate corporate affairs director, holds the "special sponsor's award," flanked by Zhang Jing'an (left), the vice mayor of Changchun and Qi Guohua (right), the director-general of the Changchun Foreign Affairs and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office. Photo: Courtesy of Lee Kum Kee

The Lee Kum Kee team during the half marathon Photo: Courtesy of Lee Kum Kee

More than 4,000 people, both Chinese and foreigners, participated in the 2016 China Changchun International Sister Cities and Friends Half-Marathon Invitational Race in the Jingyuetan National Scenic Area in Jilin Province on September 10.

Organized by the Changchun government and the city's foreign affairs and sports governing bodies, the marathon saw more than 100 foreign runners, inclusive of those invited from abroad and those residing in northeastern cities, race locals along next to the sparkling lake and green mountain paths.

The "special sponsor's award" was given to China's leading sauce manufacturer, Lee Kum Kee, in recognition of the company's great support of the event.

"The [Changchun] marathon provides a platform where Lee Kum Kee can promote a modern, healthy and nutritious lifestyle with the human touch of encouraging more people to run, especially those living in the northeastern region," said Chen Shu, the company's associate corporate affairs director.

An avid runner, Chen said supporting the event coincided with the 2nd anniversary of the company's official WeChat account, which was launched two years ago when the Lee Kum Kee team joined runners in the 2014 Beijing International Marathon. "It reflects the constant bond between Lee Kum Kee and its deep concern for people's health," said Chen.

In preparation for the run, a number of foreign athletes savored and enjoyed a specially tailored marathon menu featuring black pepper sirloin, assorted marinated eggs and tofu, and a fresh vegetable salad, created by Lee Kum Kee's master chef Yang Chunhui.

Qi Guohua, the director-general of the Foreign Affairs and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of Changchun government, said Lee Kum Kee's more than a century of development is like running a marathon, in which the enterprise, much like a marathon runner must persist to achieve its goals. The company produces high-quality products and continuously innovates to maintain its reputation as one of the renowned Chinese brands.

Aside from the marathon and the beautiful scenery, the international-level development of Changchun was also showcased. The city is increasingly central to China's northeastern development. To foster its further growth, more career opportunities, educational resources and favorable policies are being offered to international talents, including returning Chinese, who wish to reside in the city.

"On September 6, Qiao Meng Yuan, an innovation and startup district for Chinese descendants was established in Changchun," said Qi.