Now, the group has run through almost all the districts of central Chongqing, including Jiangbei, Yuzhong, Shapingba, Nan'an and Yubei.

"It's a fast-growing group," Sogor said, adding that there are now more than 200 trash runners from all walks of life－office workers, yoga teachers, restaurant owners－most of whom are sensitive to environmental issues.

Chinese make up over 90 percent of the group. The oldest is in their 40s, and the youngest is just 5.

"It is fun to catch up with people from different backgrounds, ages and professions. You can see how awareness is growing among people," Sogor said, adding that one trash runner quit smoking after collecting so many cigarette packets and butts, two of their top trash items. From time to time, the runners attract attention and get a big thumbs-up.

"I'm proud to make the Earth cleaner," said 8-year-old Li Haoze, who joined the group last month with his parents.

The energetic boy broke his left arm recently but wanted to keep running, so he picked up litter with his right hand instead.

"Children should be brought up with an awareness of environmental protection," said Li Qing, the boy's father. He said he and his wife, both environmental protection volunteers, started to take their son to various public benefit activities when he was 4.