Miles of smiles

Beijing 2022 legacy

Zhangjiakou's success in co-hosting the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics made this year's relay extra special.

Runners had the chance to visit Beijing 2022 venues, including the National Ski Jumping Centre, also known as "Snow Ruyi", and the athletes' village.

Fulfilling organizers' pre-Games pledges, Beijing 2022 venues have opened to the public across all three competition zones－downtown Beijing, the capital's northwest Yanqing district and Zhangjiakou.

The opening of these venues is a key part of the Games' sustainability legacy, as well as facilitating the national fitness campaign and the development of winter sports.

"This is the first Hood to Coast China after the success of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics. I have been touched by the passion and energy of participants this year," said Wang Junxia.

"Such passion serves to motivate one another. I saw the professionals and amateurs running on the same course, fighting for the same goal. This was the moment when I really felt the power of the national fitness campaign."

shifutian@chinadaily.com.cn