Following the marathon flag-passing incident from the previous week, the running community was once again in the spotlight this week. This time, it involved a matter of life and death.

On Saturday, a runner was reported to have died suddenly during the Kunming Jinning Marathon, collapsing just a few kilometers before the finish line.It is often said that while running a marathon is precious, life is even more valuable. Tragic incidents in marathons have occurred occasionally over the years, causing much sorrow and highlighting the importance of cherishing life.

On Sunday,at the Shaoxing Marathon, a participant collapsed twice and received CPR from doctors twice. Despite the doctors' and staff's attempts to stop him, he insisted on finishing the race.

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Regretful! Runner dies suddenly at the 19-kilometer mark of the Kunming Jinning Half Marathon

On November 24, during the 'Zheng He Cup' Half Marathon in Kunming Jinning District, a male runner collapsed and lost consciousness. According to an eyewitness, the man suddenly fell at the 19-kilometer mark. Although the ambulance arrived promptly, he could not be saved.

According to online videos, a runner collapsed, and fellow runners and medical staff took turns performing CPR on him. Medical staff mentioned that they noticed the runner was in poor condition from a distance and rushed over, but he collapsed before they could reach him. Despite their efforts, they could not save his life.

According to fellow runners, the man collapsed at the 19-kilometer mark of the half marathon, just over 2 kilometers from the finish line. He was running at a pace of just over 4 minutes per kilometer.

The half marathon has become the most dangerous event for the public due to underestimation. Many have heard that half marathons are not taken seriously, and this attitude has deeply ingrained itself in many runners, leading to a lack of respect for the event. This has led to the misconception that sudden deaths or collapses only happen to fast runners. In reality, life and death are not determined by speed but by one's attitude and self-assessment.

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Terrifying scene at the Shaoxing Marathon: Runner insists on running after cardiac resuscitation

On November 25, 2018, the Shaoxing International Marathon started. The race attracted 22,000 participants from 52 countries and regions. During this year's Shaoxing Marathon, a very dangerous incident occurred. A runner collapsed and received cardiac resuscitation. After regaining consciousness, he ignored the doctors' and staff's advice and insisted on finishing the race.

When the runner collapsed, doctors rushed to help and performed CPR. While assisting, the doctors repeatedly told him not to continue running. However, after resuscitation, the runner did not heed their advice and insisted on continuing. The doctors and staff hurried to stop him, eventually succeeding. If the runner had continued, it could have led to unimaginable consequences.

The purpose of running is to strengthen the body and improve health. If one risks their life to finish a race, running loses its original meaning.

Marathons are ultimately extreme sports. Runners must learn to listen to their bodies and avoid a competitive mindset. If symptoms like chest tightness, palpitations, or cold sweats occur, they should stop immediately to prevent adverse outcomes.

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Continuing the 'courtesy'? Shaoxing Marathon champion still handed the national flag

On November 25, 2018, the Shaoxing International Marathon started. This race was the first 'Running China' series event after the 'flag-passing' incident involving He Yinli. The public was keenly interested in whether the national flag would be handed over at the finish line.

At the Suzhou (Taihu) Marathon on November 18, Chinese female runner He Yinli was handed the national flag twice by volunteers near the finish line while competing for the championship. She was subsequently overtaken by an African runner and finished second. This incident sparked widespread online debate. A representative from the 'Running China' series organizer, Wisdom Sports Group, stated that the flag-passing was a 'courtesy' to Chinese runners and an 'unintentional mistake.' They also mentioned that the practice of handing over the national flag would not change. The Chinese Athletics Association later issued a notice to further regulate and strengthen the organization of national marathon events, stating that no ceremonial activities should interfere with the race or affect fair competition among runners.

As a result, the public was highly interested in whether the national flag would be handed over at the finish line of the Shaoxing Marathon, the first 'Running China' series event after the incident. According to broadcast footage, domestic champion Li Yongyuan received the national flag from a volunteer at the 200-meter mark and crossed the finish line holding it. Two volunteers then took a photo with the 'Running China' flag at the finish line.

Although there were no incidents of volunteers entering the track or chasing athletes at the Shaoxing Marathon, the organizers did not change the practice of 'courtesy to athletes.'

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Li Zicheng was the first to cross the finish line but was disqualified for starting in the wrong zone

At 7:30 AM on November 25, 2018, the Shaoxing International Marathon started at the Olympic Sports Center. The race attracted 22,000 participants from 52 countries and regions, including 6,000 for the full marathon, 8,000 for the half marathon (21.0975 kilometers), and 8,000 for the mini marathon (6.5 kilometers).

In the half marathon, renowned domestic runner Li Zicheng was the first to cross the finish line. However, he was disqualified for starting in the full marathon zone instead of the designated zone, resulting in an invalid result.

According to the Shaoxing Evening News, Li Zicheng was a special invitee for this year's Shaoxing Marathon. Despite being a special invitee, he had no special privileges. Everyone is equal before the rules.

The half marathon champion was eventually won by Kenyan runner Wambua Bernard Musau with a time of 1:09:33. The second place went to Chinese runner Chen Yujin with a time of 1:10:26. The third place was taken by Chinese runner Xue Chenyang with a time of 1:10:55.