Xiong Hui, a 2023 Optics Valley Marathon spokesperson candidate. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

The Optics Valley Marathon Spokesperson solicitation ended on Oct 10, and the marathon's organizing committee has collected many photos and articles from candidates, telling their stories with the valley and the OVC marathon.

Xiong Hui is one of the spokesperson candidates. He attended college near Luxiang Alley in Wuhan in 2000 when he was 18.

He then decided to work at a sci-tech firm based in the East Lake High-tech Development Zone (also known as Optics Valley of China, or OVC) after graduating.

He recalled that there was only one shopping mall near his college, and the roads were always shabby and muddy. Having spent 23 years there, he is a witness to the valley's rapid growth and development.

In 2017, Xiong bought a house in OVC and settled down with his family. "Now the valley has many skyscrapers and business districts around the Optics Valley pedestrian street are thriving. It has become a hub for Wuhan's sci-tech companies, and many young people are pursuing their own careers and dreams. It's amazing to see all the changes," he said.

Wu Yongcheng, a 2023 Optics Valley Marathon spokesperson candidate. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

Wu Yongcheng is an entrepreneur who founded an internet company with his friends in the valley. He said starting a business is tough and the heavy workload has negatively impacted his health. Marathons have improved his health and earned him many new friends. Running has now become an important part of his life.

"It's really exciting to know that the Optics Valley Central City has invested 5 billion yuan ($696.5 million) to build the OVC sports center. I'm so proud of what the valley has achieved," Wu said.

The marathon's organizing committee will soon select a suitable spokesperson for the 2023 Optics Valley Marathon, and the result will be released just before the game begins.