Dream Walker Chen Yanbo Takes on South American Ultramarathon in 2012

By Wei Ruyu, compiled and reported

Taiwanese polar ultramarathon runner Chen Yanbo was awarded a NT$200,000 Dream Fund by Diageo Taiwan’s Managing Director, Chu Chen-hao, enabling him to advance to the next South American ultramarathon in his quest to complete the “578 Plan” Keep Walking over five years across seven continents and eight major races.

Chen Yanbo has already conquered grueling challenges in the Himalayas, the North Pole, Antarctica, and South Africa’s Kalahari Desert. Now 25, he successfully tackled the Kalahari Desert in October 2011, enduring a staggering day-night temperature difference of 55°C. On his longest day, he ran for over 10 hours, summited three mountains, crossed two grasslands, and even lost seven toenails — yet he persevered to clinch third place. “To me, dreams aren’t just about desire or achievement,” he said. “They’re about giving life more meaning. Even in the last second, I want to be closer to my dream!” He added that life is like a journey — we are all travelers — but to enrich the experience, one must let go of distractions, listen courageously to one’s inner voice, set goals, and take action.

Chen Yanbo’s passion and determination inspired JOHNNIE WALKER’s Facebook campaign “RUN ! Sponsor Chen Yanbo,” where every “like” donated NT$5 to him. The campaign quickly garnered support from 40,000 fans and raised the NT$200,000 Dream Fund. Next, he will face the 2012 South American ultramarathon in Brazil in May, taking on a 190-kilometer race in a single day through jungles, sand dunes, and lakes.

Returning to Chen Yanbo’s original goal of challenging the world on foot, as he puts it, racing against oneself — regardless of rankings — is an experience that broadens one’s worldview. Those with dreams can visit JOHNNIE WALKER’s “Dream. Walker” Facebook fan page — “Yanbo’s 5 Dream Tools” — to learn the secrets behind Chen Yanbo’s dream-chasing journey: www.facebook.com/JohnnieWalkerTaiwan