Despite the unstable weather, more than 4,000 people gathered in Sunny Bay to take part in the 2009 Olympic Day Run. The run is an annual event held in celebration of the founding of the International Olympic Committee in 1894 and is organised by the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC). Although Hong Kong was struck by a tropical storm, more than 4,000 people and nine corporate teams assembled at the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort coach park on June 28 for the 8.30am start. There was a wide range of age groups participating in the run, from one to 71 years old. 'It is awe-inspiring to have the continuous support of so many runners,' said Timothy Fok Tsun-ting, president of the SF&OC, during the opening ceremony. At the sound of the starting horn, runners followed the tree-lined Fantasy Road and Magic Road towards Sunny Bay. After the turning point on Sunny Bay Road, the route took them along the bank of Inspiration Lake, covering a distance of 4.7km. The run is seen as more of a recreational family activity than a competitive one. The traditional Olympic Day theme of 'Move, Learn and Discover', which aims to motivate citizens to discover the joy and benefits of exercising, was fully promoted. The theme of this year's run was 'Hong Kong's Readiness for the fifth East Asian Games' in order to create excitement for the sporting showpiece, which takes place in Hong Kong in December. The runners who braved the unpleasant weather and and early start demonstrated their support for the Games and Hong Kong's athletes. More events organised by the SF&OC aimed at promoting the East Asian Games are coming up. There will be sports demonstrations at the Hong Kong International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kowloon Bay from today until Thursday. For more details, visit www.hkolympic.org