MARATHONS THRIVE IN CHINA, BOOSTING ECONOMIC GROWTH

Visually impaired runners embrace opportunity to participate in events

In a time of 2 hours and 7 minutes, Li Zezhou, a 17-year-old visually impaired runner with a second-level disability, crossed the finish line of the 2024 Tianjin Marathon, to complete his first half-marathon.

"Although I cannot see, the cheers from the crowd filled me with joy. Thanks to the support of my accompanying runners, the race went smoothly," said Li, a student from Tianjin School for Visual Impairment, who participated in the Oct 20 event alongside five other visually impaired runners.

Yan Zhuang, head of the Tianjin Red Cross Foundation's public welfare running project, hosted a celebration for them at the finish line. "Regardless of the results, they have conquered themselves," Yan said.