Since I was a teenager, I have been running like a close friend, accompanying me for nearly 30 years. The school sports meeting and events at all levels have witnessed my persistence and love for running. But the half marathon is always a new challenge that I am eager to conquer. It wasn't until this year that I finally had the opportunity to set foot on the Hengqin Half Marathon.

On November 5, 2023, I joined the Zhuhai Yuandadu Marathon Champion Club on the recommendation of President Huang Chunmei of the Zhuhai Athletics Association. Here, I systematically learn the rules of the event and carry out scientific training. The coaching team led by the club leaders and Zhao Jiao gave professional guidance carefully; Logistics personnel pay silently to provide solid support; The enthusiasm and encouragement of my teammates made me feel strong on the way to run.

On March 21-22, 2025, I joined the volunteer work of the Hengqin Marathon. Even though I'm a little tired, I'm proud to be able to contribute to this A1 tournament that brings together 20,000 people. I would like to thank Lingling, Secretary-General of the Zhuhai Athletics Association, and all the leaders for giving me this precious volunteer opportunity and allowing me to feel the charm of the marathon from another perspective.

On March 23rd, after finishing the volunteer service of the Hengqin Marathon, I stood at the starting point of the first half marathon in my life with excitement. I was assigned to Zone C, and I started at 7:15 a.m., and when the starting gun sounded, I quickly merged into the crowd, and the energy and determined eyes of the runners around me instantly ignited my fighting spirit.

The sea breeze carries the unique fresh breath of Hengqin, gently brushing my face, along the way the coastal romance, urban humanity and natural ecology reflect each other, the University of Macau Hengqin Campus, Financial Island Central Park and other landmarks come into view one after another, I feel as if shuttling through a flowing beautiful picture.

During the competition, I strictly followed the guidance of my coach, distributed my physical strength reasonably, and did not miss every supply point. From more than 25 minutes in the first five kilometers to the subsequent continuous acceleration, the results have witnessed the results of the training. Under the scorching sun, sweat blurred my vision, but the intimate service of the event reassured me: the shuttle bus was convenient, the materials were received smoothly, and the volunteers were enthusiastic about cheering.

Crossing the finish line, the 1 hour and 41 minutes time brought a strong sense of achievement, and the pleasure of dopamine and endorphins lasted all day.

This half-marathon debut made me deeply appreciate the importance of scientific training and team support. It has witnessed my courage to challenge myself, and it is a precious growth and transformation in my running journey.

In the future, I will continue to write a new chapter on the marathon course with this love and harvest. Here, we sincerely invite every runner to join the Zhuhai Yuandadu Marathon Champion Club. There is a team of professionals here to help you stay away from the pain and shine in the event. I will also go to the marathon course with love and growth to challenge more impossibilities.

Contributed by:

Guo Haiqun

Guangzhou Asian Para Games track and field men's 1500m champion

The runner-up in the men's 800m track and field competition of the Guangzhou Asian Para Games won the second-class merit recorded by the Guangdong Provincial People's Government

Hengqin Marathon Collar Volunteers, Half Marathon Participants