March is a big month for events. Over the next 31 days Shanghai will be pumping with authors at the Shanghai Literary Festival, as well as artists and musos doing their thing at JUE Festival events around town. But without doubt one of the biggest happenings this month is the New Balance Jinqiao 8k and the TALK/Big Bamboo after party.

Celebrating both a new sponsor and the Shanghai World Expo (how original!) the race marks the start of a city wide fitness campaign embodied by the slogan ‘Running Towards Expo 2010’. Not ones to be left out, TALK and Big Bamboo have combined to create two corporate relay teams that will undoubtedly storm to success in a flourish of amusingly written copy and delicious bar food.

The race starts and finishes at the Pinghe High School and covers 8,000 metres of Shanghai's most unforgiving streets. Starting bright and early at 8.30am with a warm-up, then the real action begins at 9.20am for the corporate teams and 9.35am for solo runners. Expect to see Haibao making an appearance and taking photos with his fans, runners and supporters dressed up as pop culture characters in order to win costume prizes, and a lucky draw at the end.

After the race the fun really starts with the TALK/Big Bamboo after party where the two corporate teams will be available to sign autographs and to rub up against for good luck. But if you’re not interested in the runners, RMB 75 will buy you one Tiger, Carlsberg draught, soft drink, tea or coffee, plus a selection of salads, burgers and pizza. After all that running, why not indulge a little?

For those who haven’t yet entered the race, you can sign up before 9 March at any New Balance store, Element Fresh, Meizaichen Sports Club, Gloria Jean’s Coffee, and by calling 6323 2170. Registration costs RMB 100 per runner with 10 per cent going to the charity sponsor Roots & Shoots Shanghai.

The Jinqiao 8K race takes place on Sunday 21 March.

Web: http://shanghai.talkmagazines.cn