Safety and support

With the pandemic still a major consideration, organizers and local authorities have again gone to great lengths to keep participants safe.

Comprehensive COVID-19 protocols were observed, with mass gatherings avoided by assigning different start times and organizing the celebrations at the finish area in a responsible manner.

Excellent medical support was available, including ambulances, defibrillators and a team of 80 first responders positioned along the course. In addition, 300 volunteers served at the race.

"Over the last two years, the pandemic has made it difficult to stage such a big running event. Many events have been canceled. In the past, I could prepare and train fully for a race, but now it's not so straightforward, so I have needed to rearrange many things," said marathon runner Cheng.

"My mindset as a pro runner has also changed, and I've definitely adjusted my body and mentality during this time. We need to cherish an event like this in Hainan to maintain our passion for running."

Li Chun is another regular Hood to Coast runner, and this time he contributed to the race in a special way－by designing the medals.

"I want to pay tribute to the persistence of the organizers, as they are still staging two events a year, even with the pressure of the pandemic. I designed medals for over 30 sports events this year but many were canceled, so the Hood to Coast is among the few events that I have actually been able to present the medals to the athletes," said Li.

"Because the relay has been able to return, we can gather together and my work can be shown to others. And this year's Hainan race boasted a totally new course, combining breathtaking scenery and cultural sites. It's great to be involved in it, and for artists like myself, it's an inspiration."