Luang Prabang, Laos, March 4, 2023: The President of the National Olympic Committee of Laos, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phout Simmalavong, opened the Asian Games Fun Run in Luang Prabang city centre on Saturday morning.

The NOC President, who is the country's Minister of Education and Sports, then proceeded to take part in the 2km walk around the World Heritage City along with government colleagues and sports leaders.

His presence added to the festive occasion, which began with a pre-dawn assembly outside the national museum and continued with two cultural performances which entranced the locals and tourists alike.

The Laos leg of the Asian Games Fun Run comprised three categories – under 17 years and over 50 years over 2km and over 17 years over 5km – and the 10 winners in both the female and male groups received medals as well as participation certificates.

The Vice President and Secretary General of Laos NOC, Sengphone Phonamath, said the Asian Games Fun Run to promote the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China this September was another landmark in Luang Prabang's sporting legacy.

"The people of Luang Prabang enjoy this kind of community event because, in the past, we have held mini-marathons and Olympic Day celebrations," he said.

"The local people are used to getting up early, so for them to gather at 5.30 in the morning is not unusual. There is a tradition here for people to give food to the monks on the side of the road before sunrise, so the day starts early in Luang Prabang city."

All three categories were well supported, with the serious runners competing over 5km and the other two age groups, including parents and children as well as the occasional pet dog, running/walking over 2km.

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

"You can see that everyone is happy and that there is a very nice friendly atmosphere."

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

The VIP guests also included Her Excellency Mrs Khanthaly Siriphongphanh, Deputy Minister of Education and Sports, and His Excellency Bounleuam Manivong, Deputy Governor of Luang Prabang Province.

The OCA was represented by the Director of Media and TV Broadcasting, Jeans Zhou Jian, and the Director of Projects and Administration Affairs, Wissam Trkmani.

The Laos 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 September 23 to October 8, 2023.