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

• Day 75: Excruciating sacroiliac joint pain

“Faster running eased pain via endorphins, but my body couldn’t sustain it,” he admitted. When urged to quit at 81 marathons, he refused: “81 isn’t 100. I will not surrender.”

Behind the Scenes Heroes

Jin credited:

• Cai Chang (Qiaotou Running Group): Mobilized 30+ volunteers for pre-dawn logistics, medical aid (AED included), supplies, and weather contingency planning.

• Wife: Patrolled the course on her e-scooter post-race to clear debris, while managing nutrition and emotional support. “Half this medal is hers,” Jin proclaimed during an onstage embrace.

• Runners: Provided homemade congee, electrolyte beverage, and fresh fruit daily.

Experts: Admire, Don’t Imitate

Qian Meiyun (President, Wenzhou Marathon Association):

“This exceeds ordinary limits. Future editions should emphasize collective participation, not solo extremes.”

Dr. Luo Guogang (Deputy Director, Sports Medicine Center, Wenzhou Integrative Medicine Hospital):

“Persisting through joint pain risks irreversible damage. A 2023 British Journal of Sports Medicine study showed similar extreme attempts caused 72% injury rates, including Achilles tendon rupture. Amateurs must follow the 10% weekly mileage rule and allow 4–6 weeks’ recovery post-marathon.”

The Catalyst

Jin (formerly 80 kg with hypertension, hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia) took up running in 2016. Now 60 kg and healthy, he launched Bai Ri Bai Ma during China’s “Weight Management Year” to inspire others. His next goal? 1,000 lifetime marathons.

Today, a commemorative stone stands at Guxi Trail—a permanent tribute to human resilience and the power of Chinese community spirit.