Three Thousand Runners Gather in Luang Prabang for Record Charity Race
Some 3,000 participants from over 50 countries and regions ran through the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, marking the largest turnout in the 12-year history of the Run for Children Luang Prabang Half Marathon, chinadailyasia.com reported.
Route Through the Ancient City
Organized jointly by China Daily and the RVi Group, the charity event kicked off before dawn outside the Royal Palace, which now serves as the National Museum. Runners moved through streets adorned in white, blue, and green, carrying the Taleo, a traditional Lao symbol of protection. Monks participated in the morning alms ceremony alongside the race route as competitors passed historical landmarks.
Three Race Distances Draw Thousands of Participants
The event drew professional athletes, families, and young children across three distinct distances. The 7-kilometer fun run proved the most popular choice, drawing 2,100 participants. Another 600 runners tackled the 14-kilometer race, while 300 athletes competed in the 21-kilometer half marathon.
Support for Free Pediatric Healthcare
All race proceeds directly benefit the Lao Friends Hospital for Children, operating as the country’s sole free pediatric teaching hospital since its establishment in 2015. The annual run highlights community solidarity to ensure children receive medical care regardless of a family’s financial situation. Zhang Sheping, consul general of the Chinese Consulate General in Luang Prabang, competed in the event and presented awards to the female winners of the 21-kilometer group.
Luang Prabang Race Joins Run With History Initiative
Alongside the athletic events, a Yulong Snow Mountain-themed poster was displayed. The Luang Prabang race forms part of China Daily’s “Run With History” initiative launched in 2019, which has previously hosted events in Bagan, Myanmar, and Ayutthaya, Thailand. The initiative’s recent Bali event on Oct. 18 drew 1,734 runners for a 5-kilometer run and 10-kilometer challenge near the Monkey Forest Ubud.
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