Chongqing - On May 17, the 2026 Chongqing Children's Day Fun Run took place on Nanbin Road in Chongqing. A flagship parent-child event of the Chongqing Marathon Series and part of the "Passionate Youth" initiative, the race brought together over 3,500 families. Accompanied by their parents, children enjoyed running and celebrated the upcoming Children’s Day in a healthy, active way that promotes a nationwide fitness culture.
Over 3,500 families gather on Nanbin Road for a joyful start. (Photo/The event organizer)
The event centered on family participation, encouraging parent-child bonding through shared running experiences. Using running as a medium, it aims to engage young people in sports, build character and physical fitness, foster lifelong exercise habits, and advance the development of a healthy youth system through fun and educational activities. It also supports the growth of youth sports in Chongqing and further integrates national fitness with public health.
Parents and children run side by side, sharing the joy of sports and companionship. (Photo/The event organizer)
The race started at Chongqing Kaibu Relics Park and finished at Dongyuan 1891 B Hall, covering about 5.2 kilometers. Along the route, participants passed several iconic urban landmarks and historical sites, including Longmenhao Old Street, Ciyun Temple, and Bell Tower Square. Runners not only enjoyed the thrill of exercising together as a family but also immersed themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Nanbin Road, experiencing the unique landscape and charm of Chongqing.
Charity Initiatives Expanded, Spreading Warmth and Kindness
Charity has always been an essential part of the Chongqing Children’s Day Fun Run. This year, the event’s charitable efforts were further enhanced, using sports as a platform to connect caring communities and spread goodwill. In line with the national strategy for universal fitness and the spirit of sports philanthropy, the organizing committee partnered with various organizations to hold the “Run for Love, Guarding Hope” charity run. The charity run invited 50 children with autism from Chongqing Leyi Integration, 20 children from the Chongqing Children’s Home, and 70 volunteers, who formed temporary families. These volunteers accompanied the children, enabling them to complete the 5.2 km journey together with more than 3,500 other families.
A volunteer runs hand in hand with a child with special needs during the charity run
Coinciding with the 36th National Disability Day, the charity run brought warmth and care to children with special needs, creating more opportunities for them to engage with society and participate in group activities. It helped them develop social skills through natural interactions, experience the joy of sports, and better integrate into the broader community.
The event also served as an opportunity to embody the charitable mission of “Run for Love, Guarding Hope,” calling on society to care for children with special needs, uplift them with love and hope, and promote the deep integration and coordinated development of charity and sports in Chongqing. Ultimately, every child can feel warmth and grow through running.
Integration of Sports and Tourism Empowers Urban Vitality
As a nationally recognized benchmark parent-child road race developed in Chongqing and part of the Chongqing Marathon series, the 2026 Chongqing Children’s Day Fun Run offered families a dedicated Children’s Day sports gala through professional organization, diverse content, and heartfelt charity initiatives. The 5.2 km course effectively linked key cultural and tourism resources along Nanbin Road, allowing families to experience Chongqing’s historical and cultural depth and mountain-city charm while running. The event successfully created a deeply integrated sports-tourism experience.
(Zhang Xuege, as an intern, also contributed to this article)