China Airlines flight attendants (from left) Wu Jiamei, Ma Yushan, and Shao Shiting take a photo with Mr. Peng Hongnian after the race to show their respect. Photo from Taiwanese media.
Taiwan’s 96-year-old Peng Hongnian completed the Taipei 101 Run Up today, receiving a hero's cheer upon reaching the finish line, with flight attendants vying to take photos with him. After finishing the course, Peng felt “of course I’m very tired!”
According to Taiwan’s Central News Agency, the “Taipei 101 International Run Up” was held at the Taipei 101 building. This year marks its 9th edition, starting at 8:00 a.m. today, with over 20 countries and regions and 4,000 participants taking on the challenge of 91 floors, 390 meters, and 2,046 steps.
The elite men's division was won by last year’s champion, Australian runner Mark Bourne, who completed the run from the 1st floor to the 91st-floor observation deck in just 10 minutes and 52 seconds. The women’s division was won by Italian athlete Valentina Belotti with a time of 12 minutes and 54 seconds.
When 96-year-old Peng Hongnian reached the finish line, he was met with hearty applause from all participants, and even the participating flight attendant group competed to take photos with him. After a short rest, Peng said in an interview that he has always had the habit of exercising and attends every edition of the event. As for how he felt afterward, he said, “Of course I’m very tired!”
88-year-old Lai Qihé finished the race a little earlier. He is a practicing doctor who has run his clinic for over 60 years. His main reason for joining the race was “curiosity and a desire to challenge myself.” Upon reaching the finish line, Lai said he didn’t feel tired, “just a bit out of breath, but not too much.” He shared his health secret: “Exercise more. I run and ride a bicycle every day for at least five hours. Also, smile more, don’t eat too well, and focus on healthy lifestyle habits.”