Tian Tongsheng, 62, has finished 67 marathons in 6 years. (Photo/Guangzhou Daily) |
62-year-old Tian Tongsheng is China's first over-60s runner who has finished the marathon grand slam. From his first marathon at the age of 56 to the Shanghai International Marathon held on Nov. 8, he has run 67 marathons in 6 years.
In the past two months, Tian Tongsheng traveled across Europe, Asia and North America, finishing 7 marathons in 50 days.
In October 2009, Tian finished his first half marathon at Beijing International Marathon. However, he didn't even know about marathons before he was 56.
Since Sep. 20, he has run the Beijing International Marathon, Berlin International Marathon, Marine Corps Marathon, New York City Marathon, Cologne Marathon, Changsha International Marathon and Shanghai International Marathon. In the next year, he will continue to update his grand slam record.
He has managed this proud achievement through harsh training and strict self-discipline. "I don't stipulate the time of training for each day, but I run 300 kilometers every month."
"The foreigners used to pay attention to the increasing wealth of Chinese people, such as how we buy luxuries when travelling abroad. I want them to know that we are also pursuing a healthy and green life style, so I run all over the world," said Tian Tongsheng.
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