Speaking about his running journey, Su Qingsheng said, “I’ve been running for over 30 years. I started participating in marathons in 2003, which makes this year exactly ten years. In 2012, I ran the most—24 races in one year—and that was also when I achieved my dream of completing 100 marathons, becoming the first person in China to do so.” Su Qingsheng said that the marathon is a bridge connecting the friendship of people around the world, and he will keep at it.
Marathon running has not only brought Su Qingsheng good health but also friendships with people from all over the world. Everywhere he goes, people recognize this determined Chinese elder. Many domestic and international media have reported on his story. Similarly, in Dongying, there is also a group of like-minded friends who call each other “running buddies.” Among them is Su Qingsheng, a member of the Dongying Running Club. While traveling abroad for races, due to not having international roaming on his phone, his family and friends back home kept asking about his situation. The moment he stepped back onto Chinese soil, he received their greetings.
“The expenses for going to these competitions every year are no small amount. This time, it cost nearly 15,000 yuan. When I was in Boston, Dmitri, who had known me for years, and the Boston Marathon organizing committee offered me quite a bit of help.” Su Qingsheng said the encouragement and support among fellow runners are also what keep him going.
“There are regrets too. I’ve neglected my family too much. Because I need to go to races, I must save up my vacation days. To do that, I didn’t spend Spring Festival at home for eight consecutive years, and I rarely got involved in family affairs. At first, my family didn’t support me, but gradually they came to understand. In another year, I’ll turn 60 and retire, and I will slowly achieve my dreams.”
Speaking of his dreams, Su Qingsheng said his first dream has already come true. His second dream is to run the six most famous marathons in the world: the Boston Marathon, Chicago Marathon, New York Marathon, Berlin Marathon, London Marathon, and Tokyo Marathon. He has completed one and will take part in the Chicago Marathon later this year.
At the end of the interview, Su Qingsheng told us that he would be heading to Tianjin tomorrow for the opening ceremony of the Samaranch Memorial Hall. For him, life is one marathon after another.