On October 24, the "Run for Children" 2026 Luang Prabang Half Marathon was successfully held. Co-hosted by China Daily and the Lao Friends Hospital for Children, the event aimed to provide medical support for children through charitable efforts. A team from the Consulate General of China in Luang Prabang, led by Consul General Zhang Sheping, participated in and successfully completed the 7-kilometer race; Han Lei, Vice President of China Daily’s Asia-Pacific edition, also completed the distance. Bounthong Chitmany, Secretary of the Luang Prabang Provincial Party Committee, and Bounleua Sinxayvoravong, Governor of Luang Prabang Province, attended the opening ceremony.

The event attracted over 3,000 runners from across the globe, setting a new record for participation. Local residents lined the course to cheer on the runners, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere. Near the start and finish lines, displays and photo spots were set up to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Laos.

Following the race, Zhang Sheping and other guests presented awards to the top three finishers in the men’s and women’s 21km, 14km, and 7km categories. Zhang also gave an interview to a reporter from China Daily at the venue.