Participants of Zhejiang's charity run in honor of the 29th National Day for Helping the Disabled run on the road in Zhoushan on May 19. [Photo/zj.zjol.com] 

A five-kilometer charity run in honor of the 29th National Day for Helping the Disabled kicked off in 11 cities in East China's Zhejiang province on May 19, including Zhoushan.

The event, organized by Zhejiang Daily Press Group and Zhejiang Radio & TV Group, aims to promote voluntary services for the disabled in Zhejiang province and encourage more people to participate in sports.

Nearly 500 runners set out from Haijing Park in the city’s New Town area and enjoyed some beautiful seaside scenery as they ran along the coastal roads of the island city.

A fund of 400,000 yuan ($57,840) was donated by Chinese property developer Country Garden Holdings Co Ltd to the Zhejiang Foundation for Disabled Persons during the event. 

"Charity is not done by one person, but requires the support of all members of society. We want to convey optimism and promote charity causes through this activity," said Lin Gongbo, president of Country Garden East Zhejiang Division.