Great hike on the Great Wall

Li Ning, legendary gymnast and founder of Li Ning company, (middle in green) poses with company executives and 10 grassroots representatives at the launch of the Hiking The Great Wall mass fitness activity at Juyongguan Great Wall scenic spot, July 25, 2013. [Photo/China Daily]

Hiking fever will hit the Great Wall this weekend after more than 1,620 signed to put their best foot forward.

The event, organized by sporting goods company Li Ning and web portal people.com.cn, has been receiving widespread support with people registering on its official website http://t.people.com.cn/li-ning to take part.

Ten representatives have been drafted among the candidates to accompany company founder and Olympic champion gymnast, Li Ning.

Two-time Olympic champion shooter Yang Ling and diving queen Gao Min will also be on the Great Wall from Friday to Sunday.

"By hosting this kind of activity, we hope to inspire more people to enjoy exercise while challenging themselves," Li said at the launc ceremony at the foot of the Great Wall on Thursday.

Xiao Tian, deputy director of the State Administration of Sport of China who also attended the ceremony, said such a mass fitness program should be promoted.