3 cities 3 love stories the one i remember most

Some marathons, if you don't run them now, you might never want to run them; some race memories, if you don't jot them down now, you might be too lazy to write them later.

The marathon events of 2017 have basically concluded, and a new year is about to begin. This year, I ran the international marathons in Seoul, Beijing, and Shanghai, three major metropolises. Each race was like a love affair, leaving unforgettable memories in my life because of the effort and persistence.

First Marathon: The Beauty of a 'Long-Distance Relationship'

The starting point of the Seoul Marathon is at Gwanghwamun Square, with the historic royal palace Gyeongbokgung behind it, and the finish line is at Jamsil Sports Complex, the main venue of the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

The route passes by City Hall, Dongdaemun History & Culture Park, Cheonggyecheon, Gwangjang Market, Lotte World, and crosses the Han River via Jamsil Bridge, taking you from Gangbuk to Gangnam style... What is the Seoul Marathon like?

Before the start, the temperature was still quite chilly. The organizers specially arranged for two beautiful women to lead everyone in a warm-up dance. Although I couldn't understand their chatter, their friendly smiles and lively movements charged up our inner energy, getting everyone into race mode quickly. We were in Zone E, and about 20 minutes after the starting gun, we crossed the timing mat and began running smoothly.

During the race, when I encountered pretty girls, I tried to strike up a conversation in my broken English, and always received smiling responses. Along the route, historical sites would appear from time to time. Although I couldn't name them, their appearance naturally reminded me of our shared historical connections.

Running such a race never feels tiring because every step is new and exciting, like meeting a familiar yet never-before-seen lover, with an uncontrollable excitement in your heart.

Our marathons often feature square dance and drum teams performing for the runners. In Seoul, it's the same. North of the Han River, various performances showcasing their traditional culture cheered us on, while south of the Han River...

As we approached the finish line at the sports complex, the vibrant cheerleading squads of various Korean girl groups on both sides stimulated our senses. When they saw the national flag on my chest, their cheers instantly switched to Chinese: 'Jiayou!' Have you ever experienced the feeling of global unity? This was it!

Encouraged by their cheers, I quickly entered the sports complex, ready to complete the final lap. Running in an Olympic stadium, imagining the heroic figures of past Olympians, really made my adrenaline surge. At this moment, I also unfurled my national flag, waving it as I crossed the finish line, expressing my respect from the heart!

Beijing Marathon: Three Years of Consistent Love

The 2017 Beijing Marathon concluded peacefully, marking my third journey in this event. There were joys and regrets. People often say 'three years of pain, seven years of itch,' but such sayings don't apply to sports. My memories of the first year are still vivid. To describe the experience of my third Beijing Marathon, running or performance is no longer the focus. It's the old friends I met on the course, those I've known for a long time but never met, and those I finally encountered this time that make it memorable.

The day before the race, I was fortunate to attend Codoon's new product launch in Beijing, where the venue was brilliantly lit and packed with people.

Sitting in the audience, I gazed at Mr. Shen giving his speech on stage. At some point, having the boss on stage became a standard for company operations.

Having just come from the Beijing Marathon Expo, I was a bit drowsy. A man working hard looks very handsome! After taking a photo together, I looked at the picture and felt we looked quite alike, though I couldn't pinpoint exactly how. Maybe it's just that we both look handsome when we try hard, haha.

'Hey! Are you just filling space? We want to read about the Beijing Marathon!'

Alright! Here's a picture for you, showing what you want to see about the Beijing Marathon!

Marathons without Cat Brother seem to lack some color! I first met her at last year's Beijing Marathon. Over the past year, she missed the Seoul Marathon, and I missed the Laoshan Trail Run and other races. Finally, we met again here.

I don't want to be what others like; I just want to be the me that I like. Thanks to that positive and hardworking black cat, who inspires and motivates us to move forward!

The Beijing Marathon is a dream for all runners. Many city marathons might be run once and never again, but this is Beijing. Running past Tiananmen Square and Chang'an Avenue, reaching the Bird's Nest and Water Cube, and when 30,000 people sing the national anthem at the start, igniting the fire of excitement in your heart, making your inner energy explode—this honor belongs only to the runners. Can you feel it?

My third Beijing Marathon brought many personal insights. Over the past three years, the event itself has also significantly improved. In 2015, there was a water shortage in the latter stages; in 2016, there was crowding and chaos at the bag drop. This year, the organization was perfect, and the services were meticulous.

Three years of transformation, unwavering loyalty. A better me looks forward to meeting a better you at the best Beijing Marathon.

Three years of transformation, unwavering loyalty. A better me looks forward to meeting a better you with the best Codoon.

Three years of transformation, unwavering loyalty. The best me, with the best Codoon, looks forward to meeting the best you at the Shanghai Marathon.

Shanghai Marathon: Love to the End, Sweeter than First Love

Shanghai, also known as the Magic City, is a city full of magic and temptation!

My last memory of Shanghai had gradually faded, but this 2017 Shanghai Marathon journey is worth remembering.

The national anthem chorus before the start was no less impressive than in Beijing. There, it's Tiananmen, historical China; here, it's the Bund, modern China!

After three years of unsuccessful attempts, I finally got a spot in the Shanghai Marathon this year. So, I wanted to savor it more, embrace it, run slowly, and stay on the course as long as possible!

If the sea is Shanghai, then the waves must be the Shanghai Marathon! Running in the Shanghai Marathon is definitely an enjoyment!

The girls from the running clubs providing private supplies were a feast for the eyes~

After eating, I felt like singing. Don't worry. The Shanghai Marathon has thought of everything for you: symphony orchestras, drum bands, rap, rock, modern, pop, and classical music filled every corner of the course.

Passionate race singers invited me to sing along with them.

There were also attentive volunteers, professional emergency runners, and enthusiastic spectators from home and abroad, all together creating the most professional, happiest, and most wonderful Shanghai Marathon!

Beautiful cheerleader girls

Domestic marathons can be divided into two types: the Shanghai Marathon and other marathons. Running the Shanghai Marathon will make you so happy you'll feel like flying~~

After running dozens of marathons, races seemed to become routine, losing their charm. Thanks to my first Shanghai Marathon, I rediscovered the joy of running, like the sweetness and happiness of first love. Running a marathon is not about following trends, competing with your body, or chasing speed. It's about the courage to start without hesitation, the determination to persist, the purest love, and the joy brought by the culture and scenery along the way.

Falling in love with running is not something that happens overnight. Love takes time, and so does running. You need long-term commitment; running is a lifelong endeavor.

Love does not settle. Since you've chosen the marathon, you must prepare with the best state and the most complete preparation! I am Wildfire Gale, let's move forward together on the path of love.