Vanke US’s holds first 5K FunRun in the United States

Before the race at the Vanke US FunRun 2018

Vanke US hosted its first 5K FunRun in the United States on Friday, April 27th. Held on Roosevelt Island in New York City, the event celebrated the company’s 5th year anniversary in the US.

Despite the chilly spring rain, over 70 people which included a diverse combination of Vanke colleagues from both China and the US, as well as Vanke US’ partners, family, and friends participated. Vanke was fortunate to have Group Vice President Zhu Xu attend. She gave a welcoming speech on behalf of China Vanke where shared the background of the FunRun at China Vanke. Coincidentally, this is also the 5-year anniversary of the FunRun in China.

Giles Holt won the “Trail Blazer” award as the fastest male runner finished with 21:53. Amanda Kraczkowsky won the “Can’t Touch This” award as the fastest female runner finished with 23:44. Jamie Zhou won the “Power Walker” award as the fastest walker. Charles Jiang took home the “Festivus” award with his Super Man jumpsuit. Elana C. won the “Best Cheerleader” award for flying 6 hours across the country to cheer her boyfriend, while Leilani Guinto took home the “Most Inspirational” award as she stays active “because of my kids.”

Steve Heaton of Laconia Development, Vanke US’ partner for its Seattle project, flew from the West Coast with another colleague to participate in the FunRun.  He excitedly asked Vanke US to continue to host FunRuns in the future. He had so much fun that he is committed to get more colleagues to fly across the country to run in future Vanke US FunRuns.

Vanke US Managing Director Kai-yan Lee (center) with Steven Heaton (left) and Jared Brotman of Laconia

FunRun participant Solomon Benaderet of public relations firm Keating & Co. shared his comments on the event: ”The 5k FunRun was the perfect way to celebrate Vanke’s fifth anniversary in the United States. More than being a fun, healthy and highly energetic activity, the run demonstrates Vanke's commitment to community involvement since entering the US market. It’s clear that Vanke’s dedication to improving lives is not only felt through its projects, but also through its culture.”

Vanke US Managing Director Kai-yan Lee and Solomon Benaderet of
public relations firm Keating & Co. catch up before the race

Established in 2013, Vanke US is a trusted local strategic partner to real estate developers on both commercial and residential projects. Based in New York and San Francisco, Vanke US currently has projects in New York City, San Francisco, and Seattle. Vanke has a strong corporate culture which includes promoting a work / life balance and a healthy lifestyle to both colleagues and partners. Vanke US fosters stronger relationships with its partners and the community through FunRun and other community-based events.

(Clockwise from left): Chris Harris (Deutsche Bank), Kai-yan Lee (Vanke US), Solomon Benaderet (Keating & Co),
Eric Tsaur (Vanke US), and winner of the “Festivus” award Charles Jiang (Vanke US);
The Adam America team; Serena Xue, Ortal Rath (Adam America), and Siddharth Karnavat (Adam America)