Formula One to formula run

Half marathon on F1 track helping to fuel China's fitness push, as Shi Futian reports.

China's national fitness campaign kicked into high gear on the Formula One track in Shanghai on New Year's Day.

Around 9,500 runners took part in the Run the Track half marathon at Shanghai International Circuit, home of the Chinese Grand Prix.

The race has gone from strength to strength since its inception in 2015, with the fourth edition boasting an impressive support system for runners in the form of 400 volunteers, 200 security staff, 80 judges, 24 pacemakers, 130 medical personnel and five ambulances.

The entire field, which spanned an age range of 12 to 82, was also entitled to free physical examinations at the race.

Li Wei took the tape in the men's race in 1hr 7min 58sec while the women's title went to Zheng Zhiling in 1:14:46.

Organized by Shanghai Jiading District People's Government, Shanghai Jiading District Sports Bureau and multiple business partners like Shanghai Juss Sports Development Group, the owner of the F1 track, the race showed how the nation can get more from its major sports venues.

"We are focusing on developing a 'healthy Jiading'," said Ma Chunlei, secretary of the CPC Jiading District Committee. "We will vigorously promote the national fitness program in Jiading, making the fitness program of our district one of the best in Shanghai.

"This is the fourth edition of Run the Track, and the race has become an iconic new-year running event in Shanghai."