Over 1,000 participants attend the Asian Games Fun Run in Laos on March 4. [Photo/hangzhou2022.cn]

The Laotian edition of the Hangzhou Asian Games Fun Run series kicked off at the Luang Prabang city center on March 4, local media outlets reported.

The festive occasion began with a pre-dawn assembly outside the national museum and continued with two cultural performances which entranced over 1,000 locals and tourists.

The Laotian leg comprised three categories – a 2-kilometer walk for people under 17 years, a 2-kilometer walk for people over 50 years, and a 5-km walk for those over 17 years. The 10 winners in both the female and male groups received medals as well as participation certificates.

"I think it's been a big success," said Du Zuofeng, deputy director of the co-host cities department of the Hangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee.

"I am sure that many people will learn more about the Asian Games in Hangzhou through the Fun Run, and that visitors have learned more about the beautiful historical city of Luang Prabang."

The Laotian leg of the Hangzhou Asian Games Fun Run was the 13th in the series outside of China in the build-up to the 19th Asian Games, which will take place in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, from Sept 23 to Oct 8, 2023.

Winners pose for a group photo with Laotian sports officials. [Photo/hangzhou2022.cn]