Li Pingsheng posted a picture with a certificate on his WeChat Moments showing his participation during the 19th Beijing Hope Run. His friend Zhang Xiuqin, a cancer survivor was also one of the runners at the event. 

"I practiced for last two years to participate in the Run. But it is a pity that I didn’t show up there today," said a retired police officer who is travelling in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. "I donated 200 yuan instead."

Over 4,000 runners participated in the event. The Beijing Hope Run is organized by the Cancer Institute and Hospital (CIH) at the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences in partnership with the China Cancer Foundation. The Canadian embassy in Beijing is among the contributors in the coordination efforts. Shanghai, Chongqing, Hunan, Hebei, Liaoning and Yunnan will also host their own edition of Hope Run, to show solidarity towards patients battling cancer. 

According to He Jie, President of the CIH, more than 300,000 people have participated in the Run since 1999. The annual event has raised over 30 million yuan (4.4 million US dollars) for cancer research and treatment in China.

Li's friend Zhang Xiuqin (75) from the Beijing Anti-Cancer Paradise, a non-profit organization for cancer patients informed him about the Beijing Hope Run. "I said I am in without any hesitation," Li said. 

"We are here to show our support for the fight against cancer," said Zhang. "Li said he will show up next year. We will be waiting for him right here!"

So far, funds raised from the event have supported over 750 cancer projects nationwide. In 2016, a total of 35 clinical projects in Beijing and 13 projects in Chongqing, Hebei and Hunan received funds to initiate cancer treatment. 

The Beijing Hope Run was inspired in part by the Terry Fox Run, which was the largest cancer fundraiser in the world. The run is held in memory of Terry Fox, a Canadian bone cancer patient who ran 5,373 km across Canada in 143 days while battling the cancer in 1980. 

"I would like to influence more friends like Li to show their support," Zhang said. "Together, we can make a difference."