How far is it from downtown Yangzhou to Yangzhou Taizhou Airport? On the 12th, seven "running buddies" from the "Yangzhou Running Club" measured the distance with their own feet — 42.7 kilometers, more than a full marathon. The harsh weather encountered along the way made this running-to-the-airport experience especially tough and fulfilling for the runners.
Killing two birds with one stone
Seeing the airport and preparing for the marathon
At 6:15 a.m. on the 12th, just as dawn was breaking.
Xu Yunqing and the reporter were speeding to the starting point of the long-distance run — the stadium — in volunteer Yao Ming’s car.
"The weather is pretty good today, no wind, not too cold, should be quite suitable for running," said Yao Ming, who was driving, as he encouraged Xu Yunqing. (As it turned out later, Yao Ming spoke a bit too soon.)
Seeing the airport and preparing for the marathon
At 6:15 a.m. on the 12th, just as dawn was breaking.
Xu Yunqing and the reporter were speeding to the starting point of the long-distance run — the stadium — in volunteer Yao Ming’s car.
"The weather is pretty good today, no wind, not too cold, should be quite suitable for running," said Yao Ming, who was driving, as he encouraged Xu Yunqing. (As it turned out later, Yao Ming spoke a bit too soon.)
Xu Yunqing, one of the founders of the Yangzhou Running Club and one of the organizers of this "runners-to-the-airport" event, said that these "running buddies" include government employees, factory workers, and individual business owners, all brought together by the Yangzhou Jianzhen Half Marathon.
Xu Yunqing said that Yangtai Airport will open in April, and the Yangzhou Jianzhen International Half Marathon will also be held in April — two major events in Yangzhou for 2012. "Many people from the Yangzhou Marathon club have signed up for the race, but we definitely won’t be there for the historic moment when Yangzhou Taizhou Airport opens. So the runners suggested, since we’re preparing for the Jianzhen Marathon anyway, why not all run from Yangzhou to the airport together? It’s killing two birds with one stone." Xu Yunqing laughed, "None of us have been to the airport. Today, we’ll use our feet to measure how far it really is from downtown Yangzhou to the airport."
To prepare for this training run, Xu Yunqing and the other runners did their homework. "Some runners went to scout the route twice beforehand," Xu Yunqing told the reporter. "According to them, it’s about 38 kilometers from the stadium to the airport."
When it came to the distance, Xu Yunqing was a bit worried: "Our recent training has only been up to 20 kilometers. I don’t know if we can handle 38 kilometers!" (As it turned out later, the 38-kilometer figure was "fake" intelligence.)
For this training run, Xu Yunqing and the runners also specially arranged for four volunteer vehicles. "Three sedans and one van, all following along. Anyway, if you can’t run anymore, just get in the car."
Departure at 6:45 a.m.
15 participants, including two female runners
At 6:30 a.m. on the 12th, in front of the stadium, all the runners participating in the event had arrived. The early arrivals were already warming up inside the stadium and greeting those who were coming in.
"Why are you just getting here? I’ve already run a few laps around the stadium."
"Get moving, it’s over thirty kilometers!"
"Luckily, the weather is nice today. They said it would rain, but it hasn’t even started yet..."
At 6:40 a.m., Xu Yunqing began gathering the runners. First, he did a headcount — a total of 15 people were starting from the stadium, including two female runners. Xu Yunqing told the reporter that upon hearing about the run to the airport, many members of the Running Club wanted to join. "But considering safety, we ultimately selected 16 people. These are all veteran marathon runners with plenty of experience."
After the headcount, the running route was announced; then, tasks were assigned to the four volunteer vehicles. The van would serve as the sweep vehicle, bringing up the rear; the three sedans would shuttle back and forth to assist, take photos for the runners, and provide drinks and chocolates.
Xu Yunqing said that Yangtai Airport will open in April, and the Yangzhou Jianzhen International Half Marathon will also be held in April — two major events in Yangzhou for 2012. "Many people from the Yangzhou Marathon club have signed up for the race, but we definitely won’t be there for the historic moment when Yangzhou Taizhou Airport opens. So the runners suggested, since we’re preparing for the Jianzhen Marathon anyway, why not all run from Yangzhou to the airport together? It’s killing two birds with one stone." Xu Yunqing laughed, "None of us have been to the airport. Today, we’ll use our feet to measure how far it really is from downtown Yangzhou to the airport."
To prepare for this training run, Xu Yunqing and the other runners did their homework. "Some runners went to scout the route twice beforehand," Xu Yunqing told the reporter. "According to them, it’s about 38 kilometers from the stadium to the airport."
When it came to the distance, Xu Yunqing was a bit worried: "Our recent training has only been up to 20 kilometers. I don’t know if we can handle 38 kilometers!" (As it turned out later, the 38-kilometer figure was "fake" intelligence.)
For this training run, Xu Yunqing and the runners also specially arranged for four volunteer vehicles. "Three sedans and one van, all following along. Anyway, if you can’t run anymore, just get in the car."
Departure at 6:45 a.m.
15 participants, including two female runners
At 6:30 a.m. on the 12th, in front of the stadium, all the runners participating in the event had arrived. The early arrivals were already warming up inside the stadium and greeting those who were coming in.
"Why are you just getting here? I’ve already run a few laps around the stadium."
"Get moving, it’s over thirty kilometers!"
"Luckily, the weather is nice today. They said it would rain, but it hasn’t even started yet..."
At 6:40 a.m., Xu Yunqing began gathering the runners. First, he did a headcount — a total of 15 people were starting from the stadium, including two female runners. Xu Yunqing told the reporter that upon hearing about the run to the airport, many members of the Running Club wanted to join. "But considering safety, we ultimately selected 16 people. These are all veteran marathon runners with plenty of experience."
After the headcount, the running route was announced; then, tasks were assigned to the four volunteer vehicles. The van would serve as the sweep vehicle, bringing up the rear; the three sedans would shuttle back and forth to assist, take photos for the runners, and provide drinks and chocolates.
At 6:45 a.m., the main group officially set off. Before departure, Xu Yunqing gave everyone a special reminder: "This is a long distance. If you can’t keep running, get in the car right away. Don’t push yourself — safety first."
A cool-looking group
With GPS and waving a big flag
After the group set off, the reporter got back into Yao Ming’s car to follow behind. At that moment, the reporter saw runner Zhang Jing still alone at the stadium entrance adjusting her gear.
"Why haven’t you left yet?" the reporter asked.
"It’s fine, I run fast, I’ll catch up soon. I’m just setting up my GPS." It turned out that to accurately measure the distance from the stadium to the airport, Zhang Jing had specially brought a GPS device. (But when they arrived at the airport, everyone found that technology isn’t always reliable. Zhang Jing’s GPS ended up being useless.)
With GPS and waving a big flag
After the group set off, the reporter got back into Yao Ming’s car to follow behind. At that moment, the reporter saw runner Zhang Jing still alone at the stadium entrance adjusting her gear.
"Why haven’t you left yet?" the reporter asked.
"It’s fine, I run fast, I’ll catch up soon. I’m just setting up my GPS." It turned out that to accurately measure the distance from the stadium to the airport, Zhang Jing had specially brought a GPS device. (But when they arrived at the airport, everyone found that technology isn’t always reliable. Zhang Jing’s GPS ended up being useless.)
Runner "Big Fish" became the most eye-catching person along the way, all thanks to the big flag of the Yangzhou Running Club he was carrying.
"'Big Fish' is Yu Wei, our flag bearer. He runs with the flag at all times, even during races. He doesn’t let anyone else carry it — he’s the only one who does it, which is pretty funny," Yao Ming explained to the reporter. (But upon reaching the airport, Yu Wei also admitted to the reporter that halfway through, the flag became hard to carry because of the headwind.)
After 22 kilometers
Runners began boarding the bus one after another.
"This time, it's agreed—we're doing a free run. Anyone who feels they can't keep going can get on the bus. I expect some will hop on around the 10-kilometer mark," Yao Ming said. "Let’s go ahead and wait for them." With that, he stepped on the gas, and the vehicle carrying the reporters sped to the front.
Starting from the stadium, they turned onto Youyi Road, then onto Caohe Road, crossed the Yangtze River via Wanfu Sluice into Jiangdu District, and then veered onto National Highway 328 heading toward Yiling. As they ran past the Jiangyang Bridge, runner He Jinwen joined the group.
"'Big Fish' is Yu Wei, our flag bearer. He runs with the flag at all times, even during races. He doesn’t let anyone else carry it — he’s the only one who does it, which is pretty funny," Yao Ming explained to the reporter. (But upon reaching the airport, Yu Wei also admitted to the reporter that halfway through, the flag became hard to carry because of the headwind.)
After 22 kilometers
Runners began boarding the bus one after another.
"This time, it's agreed—we're doing a free run. Anyone who feels they can't keep going can get on the bus. I expect some will hop on around the 10-kilometer mark," Yao Ming said. "Let’s go ahead and wait for them." With that, he stepped on the gas, and the vehicle carrying the reporters sped to the front.
Starting from the stadium, they turned onto Youyi Road, then onto Caohe Road, crossed the Yangtze River via Wanfu Sluice into Jiangdu District, and then veered onto National Highway 328 heading toward Yiling. As they ran past the Jiangyang Bridge, runner He Jinwen joined the group.
The run went smoothly, but what had been a single group had now split into three. The strongest runners—Jing Yuming, Li Jiankang, and Wu Xiaojun—formed the "first group," having pulled ahead by 3 kilometers. Zhang Jing, Xu Yunqing, and four others formed the "second group," while a few hundred meters behind was the "third group."
After entering National Highway 328 and approaching the 20-kilometer mark, still no one had opted to quit and board the bus—everyone was still pushing on. Yao Ming’s earlier prediction that people would get on at the 10-kilometer point had been proven wrong.
Past the 22-kilometer mark, runner Lao Zhu became the first to board the bus. "It’s not that I couldn’t run anymore—it’s just that I’d already completed my planned training distance for today, so I decided to get on," said Lao Zhu, who had participated in the Yangzhou Half Marathon multiple times. "The Yangzhou Marathon is just over 21 kilometers, so I’ve already run farther than a half marathon today."
After entering National Highway 328 and approaching the 20-kilometer mark, still no one had opted to quit and board the bus—everyone was still pushing on. Yao Ming’s earlier prediction that people would get on at the 10-kilometer point had been proven wrong.
Past the 22-kilometer mark, runner Lao Zhu became the first to board the bus. "It’s not that I couldn’t run anymore—it’s just that I’d already completed my planned training distance for today, so I decided to get on," said Lao Zhu, who had participated in the Yangzhou Half Marathon multiple times. "The Yangzhou Marathon is just over 21 kilometers, so I’ve already run farther than a half marathon today."
After Lao Zhu, runners gradually began getting on the bus. By the 30-kilometer mark, only seven runners remained: Jing Yuming, Li Jiankang, Wu Xiaojun, Zhang Jing, He Jinwen, Wang Ruilin, and Xu Yunqing.
10:10 AM
First runner arrives at the airport
First runner arrives at the airport
The wind grew stronger, the temperature dropped, and the clouds overhead thickened. Yao Ming, who had praised the "nice weather" that morning, began praying that it wouldn’t rain.
But as feared, just as the first group—Jing Yuming and Li Jiankang—turned from National Highway 328 onto Andai Road, hailstones the size of beans began pelting down, clattering loudly against the volunteer vehicle.
He Jinwen, the last to join the group, was running past the volunteer vehicle parked at the intersection of National Highway 328 and Andai Road. "Do you want to get on? It’s raining!" the reporter in the vehicle asked.
"Not yet. I’ll run another 5 kilometers," He Jinwen replied as he continued toward Andai Road.
But as feared, just as the first group—Jing Yuming and Li Jiankang—turned from National Highway 328 onto Andai Road, hailstones the size of beans began pelting down, clattering loudly against the volunteer vehicle.
He Jinwen, the last to join the group, was running past the volunteer vehicle parked at the intersection of National Highway 328 and Andai Road. "Do you want to get on? It’s raining!" the reporter in the vehicle asked.
"Not yet. I’ll run another 5 kilometers," He Jinwen replied as he continued toward Andai Road.
The icy rain mixed with hail grew heavier. The reporter and Yao Ming decided to catch up with Jing Yuming and Li Jiankang at the front to ask if they wanted to quit.
The leading runner, Jing Yuming, was taking shelter under the awning of a roadside shop. Seeing the volunteer vehicle, the lightly dressed runner ducked inside. Soon after, Li Jiankang also arrived at the shop’s entrance. When asked if he wanted to get on the bus, Li Jiankang replied, "Let’s see how it goes."
The leading runner, Jing Yuming, was taking shelter under the awning of a roadside shop. Seeing the volunteer vehicle, the lightly dressed runner ducked inside. Soon after, Li Jiankang also arrived at the shop’s entrance. When asked if he wanted to get on the bus, Li Jiankang replied, "Let’s see how it goes."
The reporter ran into the shop and asked the shopkeeper, "How far is it to the airport from here?"
"Just go straight through the traffic light up ahead and turn east. It’s no more than four or five li away."
Hearing this, Li Jiankang decided to keep running. So Yao Ming and the reporter drove ahead to clear the way for him.
Five minutes later, the terminal building of the airport came into clear view.
10:10 AM. After a grueling 3 hours and 25 minutes of running, Li Jiankang became the first runner to reach the airport. He Jinwen and Zhang Jing arrived shortly afterward.
"Just go straight through the traffic light up ahead and turn east. It’s no more than four or five li away."
Hearing this, Li Jiankang decided to keep running. So Yao Ming and the reporter drove ahead to clear the way for him.
Five minutes later, the terminal building of the airport came into clear view.
10:10 AM. After a grueling 3 hours and 25 minutes of running, Li Jiankang became the first runner to reach the airport. He Jinwen and Zhang Jing arrived shortly afterward.
A minor incident at the finish line
Making up for an earlier quit
Making up for an earlier quit
"Didn’t you say you’d get on the bus after running 5 more kilometers?" the reporter asked He Jinwen.
"That was actually just motivation for myself. Once I ran those 5 kilometers, I thought, why not do another 5?" He Jinwen said. "That’s the spirit of marathoning—constantly challenging your physical limits and mental resilience."
Just then, the reporter suddenly realized Jing Yuming was nowhere to be seen. "He regretted getting on the bus. He asked me to drive him back to where he got on and then continued running," Yao Ming told the reporter.
As they spoke, Jing Yuming appeared in the distance, running toward them. "I didn’t bring a change of clothes and was afraid of getting soaked and catching a cold, so I got on the bus. But once I reached the airport, I felt kind of bad about it..." Jing Yuming explained somewhat sheepishly.
At 10:41 AM, Xu Yunqing and Wang Ruilin became the final runners to arrive. By that time, the minibus driver told the reporter that the odometer showed 42.7 kilometers—longer than a full marathon distance.