Runners compete in China

It'll be anything but a holiday when three Wairarapa runners compete in the the first International Changchun Sister Cities half-marathon.

Gail Edwards and two other runners are flying to Masterton's Chinese sister city on Wednesday, after jumping at the chance to participate in the event.

She said the trio received the invitation through Masterton Athletics. "All of us who are going are long-term runners.

"I thought the opportunity to run in another country and be hosted by the town officials was too good an opportunity to pass up."

She said the half-marathon - which will see her running 21km - will be held in Changchun Jingyuetan National Forest Park, instead of the city.

Although this won't be her first overseas trip, it will be the first time she has visited China.

"China was always a place to go as a holiday destination," she said and she is looking forward to involving herself in the culture.

John Chesmar, who will be running 5km in the marathon, said the trip will also be a good business opportunity for him.

He works with spiral ducting, which he describes as a niche market.

"Obviously the Chinese machines are cheaper than Europe," he said.

Mr Chesmar is also a keen cyclist and has done a bit of travelling in the past but says China will be a different experience which he is looking forward to.

Changchun Mayor Cui Jie extended the invitation to residents, and the city is paying all expenses within the city limits.

Masterton's Tony Price will also be flying to China to participate in the half-marathon.