YONGJIA, Zhejiang – Imagine running 42.195 km daily for 100 consecutive days. Jin Jianhu, 53, transformed this staggering feat into reality. On China’s National Fitness Day (August 8), the Yongjia County resident crossed the finish line at 7 a.m. to roaring cheers, completing the "Bai Ri Bai Ma" (百日百马, 100-day 100-marathon) challenge few elite athletes dare attempt. His triumph through sweltering summer heat redefines extreme athletic endurance.

Jin Jianhu holds up the commemorative trophy

100 Marathons, 100 Days: Speed, Stamina & a Sub-3 Breakthrough

The Wenzhou Guxi Bai Ri Bai Ma Challenge (May 1 – August 8) in Qiaotou Town required eight daily laps along a 5.28-km riverside trail per marathon—totaling 42.195 km with 180m cumulative elevation gain. Initiated by Jin and guided by the Wenzhou Marathon Association, this grassroots event culminated with Jin clocking 3:24 in the 4 a.m. finale. Hours later, 300+ local runners celebrated with a 3.6-km family fun run.

A Collective Endeavor

Though designed for Jin, the challenge ignited nationwide passion:

• 1,800+ participants from 20+ provinces

• Tian Guangsheng (65, Shandong): 65 consecutive marathons

• Ni Yusheng (amateur icon): 7 marathons in 7 days

• Li Xiaobai (China Marathon Grand Slam ambassador): 3 in 3 days

At the awards ceremony, Mao Daqing (President, China Explorers Association’s 100-Marathon Branch) declared: “This milestone inspires all Chinese marathoners.”

Record-Breaking Stats

Jin’s performance shattered expectations:

• 66 sub-3:30 finishes (Avg finish time: 3:43)

• Personal best: 2:58:25 – a coveted ‘Sub-3’ (Day 31)

• Slowest: 5:43 (injury phase)

His mental strategy? “I told myself it was 420 meters daily—not 42 km.”

Sweat and Sacrifice

Jin’s monastic routine:

• 3:20 a.m.: Wake up, light meal

• 4:00 a.m.: Run with medical support on standby

• Post-race: Stretch, nap, compile event data

• 10:00 p.m.: Sleep

Critical setbacks:

• Day 64: Right instep swelling from tight lacing