In 2008, Meng Qingsong started his daily routine of jogging 8 kilometers, rain or shine, and he has kept it up for five years now. During this time, aside from jogging 8 kilometers every day within the city, he has run through almost all the counties and districts around Shijiazhuang. He plans to organize a marathon on the 22nd of this month and invites anyone who wants to join to run along with him.
Meng Qingsong is a bus driver for Route 30 of the Fifth Bus Company in Shijiazhuang and is 44 years old. Ever since the day of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, running has become a daily must-do for him, a part of his life. Over these five years, he has run through surrounding counties and districts such as Pingshan, Gaocheng, Zhaoxian, and Lingshou, and even made it to Xibaipo last year. Up to now, the total distance he has run amounts to 15,000 kilometers. After learning about his running habit, his family, colleagues, and friends all call him a “madman.” But he hasn’t stopped. In his own words: “Call me mad if you want, I just want to challenge my physical limits.”
As a bus driver, Meng Qingsong’s work is tough every day, and he has developed many occupational diseases. He believes that exercise can relieve the heavy pressure of work and help people ease various psychological stresses, which is very beneficial to health. Now, Meng Qingsong has a regular jogging route: along Yuhua Road east of Tiyu Street to Tianshan Sea World, or along Huai’an Road east of Tiyu Street to the Second Ring Road East, as well as from Tiyu Street north of Huai’an Road to Chahe, usually running for about half an hour.
“On August 22 this year, I want to find some people who, like me, enjoy jogging, and organize a marathon,” said Driver Meng enthusiastically. Driver Meng’s marathon is planned for the 22nd of this month. The race schedule is to start at 8 a.m. from the Provincial Museum, head east along Yuhua Road, run to Beixi and back, covering a total distance of about 42 kilometers.
Driver Meng said that although he and his friends are not professional athletes, they all have a persistent, never-give-up spirit. He hopes more people who love sports and enjoy running will join in.