To many, running may seem like a dull and uninteresting sport. Its repetitive motions offer little novelty; it lacks the thrill of competition found in basketball or soccer, and it doesn’t have the aesthetic appeal of diving or figure skating. Yet, running remains a favorite among many sports enthusiasts, who are also keen on constantly challenging their limits. Marathons and trail runs are especially beloved by these running aficionados.
In contrast to the traditional impression of running in the past, today’s runners do not solely pursue performance. Instead, they treat running as a new lifestyle—one that relaxes both body and mind, while also serving as entertainment and a means of socializing. It can be said that running influences and changes their lives, making their journeys more vibrant.
Runner "Swift Strider": Conquering the Death Marathon with Willpower
When it comes to running, the 42.195-kilometer marathon is often considered the ultimate distance limit by many.
However, in recent years, ultra-long-distance trail running has gained popularity, with more and more runners setting their sights on completing a 100-kilometer or even longer trail run. Ye Shifu, a runner from Guangzhou (pictured in the smaller photo), completed a grueling 250-kilometer "Death Marathon" in the vast Gobi Desert of Xinjiang this year. Over the course of seven days, he overcame extreme challenges such as injuries and bitter cold, eventually reaching the finish line and conquering this stern test of willpower.
In January of this year, while participating in the Hong Kong 100-kilometer trail run, he learned about a race known as the "Death Marathon"—a 250-kilometer "Gobi March" scheduled for June in the boundless Gobi Desert of Xinjiang. He was immediately intrigued. The reason "Swift Strider" signed up was simple and straightforward: "Out of curiosity, impulse, and a desire to push myself through self-inflicted hardship in a distant land."
The "Gobi March" is part of the internationally renowned "Four Deserts" series, a top-tier outdoor competition. The "Four Deserts" event is famous for requiring participants to trek across some of the world’s most perilous deserts, with each race location selected from areas that are the windiest, driest, hottest, or coldest on Earth.
The "Gobi March" requires participants to hike 250 kilometers over approximately seven days. Throughout the week, contestants are only provided with a set amount of drinking water and a camping tent each day.
Due to the extreme difficulty of the race, every participant must not only provide a health certificate issued by a doctor before being granted entry, but also sign a waiver of liability. The $3,500 (approximately 22,000 RMB) registration fee even includes the cost of corpse repatriation.
Running for seven days and nights in the Gobi Desert
"To most people, 100 kilometers or 250 kilometers are just abstract numbers. Only when you actually run those 250 kilometers do you truly understand the pain." Now, he speaks of that pain with equanimity, but during those seven days of the race, he truly grasped the meaning of suffering.
In the first three days of the race, several participants dropped out due to injuries. Throughout the competition, even the smallest issues could trigger thoughts of quitting. Because he had to carry an average of 8 kilograms of gear every day, "Swift Strider" experienced intense shoulder pain and admitted he really wanted to throw away his backpack. But to continue with future races, he had no choice but to grit his teeth and press on. "For every kilometer I ran, I kept counting, hoping to reach the finish line sooner."
Asked if he ever thought of quitting midway, "Swift Strider" firmly denied it. He stated that once a goal is set, it must be accomplished. "The race is tough, but it’s also a journey of self-challenge."
"In this process, you’ll constantly doubt yourself, thinking you can’t finish the race. But once you overcome those thoughts, you’ll discover your limitless potential." He believes this mental test not only aids in race performance but also shapes one’s attitude toward life, instilling an indomitable spirit.
With unwavering determination, he overcame numerous obstacles including blisters on his feet, unpredictable terrain, and the harsh climate of the high-altitude Gobi Desert, eventually crossing the finish line.
Runners Ye Shifu & Sunday: Love Accompanies the Journey
In the running community, there’s a saying: "There are two types of people in the world: those who have run a marathon and those who haven’t. They belong to different worlds. There’s a door between the two worlds—it’s not hard to find, just push it open. But people often overlook it or choose not to push it, because it’s a door that requires effort to open."
For Sunday, a beautiful woman from Guangzhou, it was her boyfriend Ye Shifu who led her to push open that door. And as the two ran hand-in-hand on marathon courses, her life became not only more colorful through running but also filled with sweeter love.
Runners who hit the trails of Baiyun Mountain every Wednesday night surely know Ye Shifu—not only because he has participated in over ten marathons and is a well-known figure in Guangzhou’s running circle, but also because he is always accompanied by a smiling girl during training and races: his girlfriend, Sunday. This romantic love story began with running and has grown stronger because of it.
Ye Shifu and Sunday attribute their love to running, as they met during a running event. "Originally, we both volunteered at an 8-kilometer race, which is how we got to know each other. Later, due to our shared interests and values, we gradually grew attracted to each other and eventually came together."
Running Both Half and Full Marathons to Accompany Girlfriend
A partner is someone to grow old with, and having shared hobbies undoubtedly strengthens a relationship. Ye Shifu revealed that after training and racing with his girlfriend, mutual encouragement and support helped both of them achieve significant progress in their performance, and their bond deepened.
This year, in order to accompany Sunday in the Singapore Marathon, Ye Shifu signed up for two marathon distances. "Because she can currently only run a half-marathon, I ran the half with her first, and then ran the full marathon by myself the next day." With such a thoughtful boyfriend, it’s no wonder Sunday still wears a happy smile even during tough training and races.
"Running is a self-challenging endeavor. During the competition, there are inevitably moments when you hit your limit. The more you approach that point, the less you should give up. If someone is there to encourage and support you, helping you shake off negative emotions and unlock your potential, you can surpass your limits and run forward with greater strength."
Sunday says that under her boyfriend’s influence, she has become increasingly passionate about running. As a result, the two plan to keep running together. "Running together not only unlocks your potential and enables you to accomplish what you once thought impossible. Isn’t this kind of mutual support also what couples need most in life?"