MARATHON MAN

Age is no barrier for athlete who seems to defy nature as he runs in one event after another, Li Yingxue reports.

Inspiration can take many forms－great endeavors, artworks and scientific discoveries. Marathon runners, especially those who seem to defy the normal laws of physics, can also be included in this group, as was seen at the 2021 Xiamen Marathon. The event kicked off at 7 am on April 10. One inspirational competitor in particular caught the public's attention among the tens of thousands of runners. He even had a sign on his back stating"81 years old from Xiamen, Fujian province, Liu Yongren has finished 109 full marathons and 167 half-marathons".

After hitting the finish line a very credible five or so hours later, Liu finished his 110th full marathon. For the past six decades, running has been part of his life and he plans to continue until he hits the 100-year mark.

"My greatest happiness comes from running. If one day I can't finish a full marathon, I can go after a half-marathon. And even if one day I cannot finish 10 kilometers, I'll do 5 kilometers," he says.