A resolution recognizing and supporting the long distance runs that will take place in the People's Republic of China in 2007 and the United States in 2008 to promote friendship between the peoples of China and the United States.

Whereas, in 1984, American long distance runner Stan Cottrell of Tucker, Georgia, was welcomed into the People’s Republic of China where he completed the 2,125-mile Great Friendship Run along the Great Wall of China in 53 days, an event which was chronicled in the international press and serves as a sign of international friendship;

Whereas those involved in the Great Friendship Run over 2 decades ago are committed to running again to revisit the experience and to promote friendship between the peoples of China and the United States;

Whereas in China, a 2,200-mile run from the Great Wall of China to Hong Kong will take place October 15 to December 15, 2007;

Whereas in the United States, a 4,000-mile relay style run from San Francisco, California, to the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., will take place May 7 to June 20, 2008, and cross the continent; and

Whereas 3 Chinese long distance runners will participate with Stan Cottrell and others in the run to take place in the United States: Now, therefore, be it