More than 2,000 runners from across the world participated in a sporting integration race with cultural exploration at Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Thailand on Sunday morning.

Themed "Ayutthaya Run Run — Fun with History", the event was co-hosted by China Daily, the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Young Entrepreneur Chamber of Commerce and The RVi Group.

The race comprised a 21-kilometer mini-marathon, a 10-kilometer challenge, and a 6-kilometer fun run. Runners from many countries, including China, Singapore, New Zealand, South Africa, Myanmar and Thailand, took part in the challenge and appreciated the picturesque structures in Ayutthaya, founded in 1350 as the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom.

"I'm so excited to participate in such a wonderful running event promoting healthy life, cultural learning and friendship," said Amornrat, 68, who drove for an hour from Saraburi Province the previous day to take part in the 10-km challenge.

"As running has become a popular trend nowadays, we will continue to promote a healthy lifestyle through events with the elements of sports, history and arts," said Zhou Li, deputy editor-in-chief of China Daily Group and publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily Asia Pacific.

Funds raised through the run will be donated to school recovery from recent floods, and each runner will play a role in helping to rebuild educational infrastructure within the local community.

"We are happy to support such an event in Ayutthaya," said Niwat Rungsakorn, governor of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province.

More than 200 participants in seven different age groups won medals and other special prizes.

"The race is the first major public event being held after the COVID-19 pandemic and it is also an indicator of a recovery of the economy," said Patcharabooon Sublom, president of the Young Entrepreneur Chamber of Commerce in Ayutthaya.

After the race, a forum titled "Entrepreneurship Insights" was held with discussions between young entrepreneurs and representatives from Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore and China.

"Over the past years, dramatic changes have been witnessed in the world economy. E-business is now definitely one of the most eye-catching trends," said Chan Wing-yan, legislative councilor and former district councilor of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Young representatives from Thailand shared their vision of how to develop traditional businesses through innovation.

"While many young people are now focusing on making new things, I think there is another way of having changes by elevating traditional products with new ideas," said Tanarat Ratanachiuchukorn, managing director of Chotakkarasuchin, a Thai company.

yangwanli@chinadaily.com.cn