Unstoppable Chen: The Ultramarathon Pioneer from China

Meet Chen, a 46-year-old ultramarathon pioneer from China, who has spent over 20 years pushing the limits of human endurance. With a reputation akin to “China’s Forrest Gump,” Chen has gained international recognition for his incredible achievements, including finishing ultramarathons on every continent.

In recent years, Chen has made headlines by triumphing at the grueling 255km Doliho Ultra-Marathon in Greece, completing the course in an impressive 40 hours and 55 minutes. This feat is part of a long list of honors in his remarkable career, which has taken him to the Amazon rainforest, Mont Blanc, and even Antarctica.

At 46, Chen has accumulated an astonishing 240,000 kilometers of running experience over the past 24 years, equivalent to six laps around the Earth. Despite his remarkable achievements, Chen’s journey began humbly as an ordinary fisherman on a coastal island in eastern China.

Chen’s passion for running was initially met with skepticism by his family and friends, who questioned the point of running such long distances. However, Chen’s determination and perseverance led him to numerous accolades, including a silver medal from the Jungle Ultra 2012 in the Amazon rainforest.

In his remarkable journey, Chen has faced grueling hours and harsh conditions, pushing his physical endurance and strategic adaptability to the limit. He has also had to think on his feet, as evident in his innovative approach to river crossings during the Amazon jungle race.

Chen’s wife, Huang Qingqing, has been his most devoted supporter, traveling with him to his competitive escapades around the world. Today, Chen shares his knowledge as a guest sports instructor in schools and engages with runners online, advocating for healthy and scientific training methods.

Despite exceeding the typical peak age for athletes, Chen’s enthusiasm and commitment to running remain strong. He continues to perform competitively, sticking to a daily routine of running 10 kilometers. Chen’s inspiring story serves as a reminder to pursue a healthier lifestyle and to never give up on one’s passions.

In his own words, Chen said, “I started running consistently around March last year. At first, it was difficult to maintain a regular routine, but now, if I don’t go for a run, I feel like I’m missing something from my day.”