12,000 kilometers! German man to run from Hamburg to Shanghai

A German long distance runner is about to set off on a 12,000 kilometer journey from Hamburg to Shanghai hoping to boost China-Germany ties and break down cultural barriers along the way.

Kai Markus, a 44-year-old amateur runner, says he wants to create a Culture Bridge along the route of the ancient Silk Road, reports China Radio International.

The 44-year-old runner Kai Markus (Right) and the Mayor of Hamburg, Olaf Scholz, pose for a photo at a farewell party in Hamburg, Germany, on March 9, 2017. [Photo: China Plus]

Olaf Scholz, Mayor of Hamburg, held a farewell party for the runner on March 9. The Mayor praised Kai's devotion to enhancing Sino-German cultural exchanges, saying he had been "deeply impressed" by Kai's plan, and wished the athlete great success.

Kai's running path from Germany to China along the Silk Road. [Photo: facebook.com]

Kai plans to start from Germany on March 12, and run through Poland, Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan to the final destination in China in November this year. The journey between Hamburg and Shanghai, the two partner cities, covers a distance of 12,000 kilometers, during which Kai will largely follow the ancient Silk Road route.

The athlete has mapped out a schedule for what he calls his "dream of a life time" trip. He says he expects to complete the journey in 235 days, 212 running days and the remaining 23 spent meeting people along the way.

Kai also says he wants to enhance national ties between China and Germany, as well as reduce prejudice.

Hamburg and Shanghai celebrated the 30th anniversary of their twin ties in 2016, and 2017 marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of Sino-German diplomatic relations, says Kai, which led to his choice of the two cities as the start and end points for his run.

He also says he hopes he can set an example to the younger generation to encourage them to pursue their dreams.