LANZHOU, June 3 (Xinhua) -- With the help of a volunteer, Lyu Yuanming crossed the line in his wheelchair in last Sunday's 1 Kilometer Dream Race at the 2019 Lanzhou International Marathon.
First run in 2011, and with a team of volunteers assisting disabled athletes since 2016, the Lanzhou International Marathon has inspired locals to partake in the challenge of a lifetime - running at high altitude in their mile-high hometown along China's famous Yellow River.
"Though I can't move on my own, I have always enjoyed watching sports on my television. Now I am true runner in the Lanzhou International Marathon." Lyu said.
The 35-year-old has been wheelchair-bound since birth because of spinal muscular atrophy, a condition similar to ALS, which gained international recognition a few years ago through the social media-inspired Ice Bucket Challenge.
Although he can move only with great difficulty, Lyu eagerly signed up for this year's event, along with 270 disabled competitors.
Zhang Yanhua, Secretary-general of the China Welfare Fund for the Handicapped, told Xinhua that the 1 Kilometer Dream Race is where dreams begin for all disabled athletes.
"At the 2019 Lanzhou International Marathon, the organizing committee laid on 100 volunteers to assist the disabled athletes," Zhang said.
According to Jiang Luji, the Vice President of Gansu Disabled Persons Federation, the number of disabled participants at the Lanzhou International Marathon has increased every year since its inception.
"From 100 to nearly 300, more and more disabled people are taking part in this event," Jiang said.
Last Sunday's 2019 Lanzhou International Marathon attracted a total of 40,000 participants from 19 countries and regions competing in the full marathon, half marathon, 5km and 1km Dream Races.
