The death toll has risen to 9219 now. More than 10,000 people are believed to have perished under collapsed schools, houses, even hospitals -- waiting to be rescued.

One of the hardest hit areas, a rural village 230 miles from the epicenter, the earthquake hit while children were in school. The primary school that had been completely devastated.

When read the news, we were shocked and worried. Because this is very close to our race site in China. Back in the 2006, we held our first race in Wanzhou, China. The kindness and hospitality of people there made our two-week stay one precious experience.

The whole Boatgp family feel very sorry for what they have suffered and would like to express the most heartfelt condolences to the thousands of victims. We also believe that our Chinese friends will survive this. Our thoughts are with them.