Participants of the Kayak Sprint pose for a photo at Lihu Lake. [Photo from WeChat account wxbhly]

The 2019 Lihu Lake Canoe/Kayak Sprint will be held in Binhu district on Oct 19, according to the district's culture and tourism bureau.

The event includes both individual and relay races in six 200-meter courses in the Vientiane City – Wuxi Theatre water area.

The annual sporting event was launched in 2014 and is meant to encourage residents to stay fit. The top three people in each category will be awarded 800 yuan ($112), 500 yuan, and 300 yuan, respectively.

They will also receive medals featuring Lihu landmarks and a design celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.