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Why run the Qingdao Maritime Marathon?

My connection with the Maritime Marathon began last year. After obtaining my AHA certification, the Maritime Marathon was my second time participating in medical rescue. Last year's marathon had strong winds, and many runners experienced cramps and knee pain. It was my first time realizing the heavy responsibility of medical rescue. Since there were few spectators on the bridge, we also took on the role of cheering for the runners, shouting until our voices were hoarse. Watching others run made me itch to join, and I promised myself to run it next year!

Why choose to participate in the rescue of the Maritime Marathon?

Because of its location—the Jiaozhou Bay Bridge. The Qingdao Jiaozhou Bay Bridge is a large cross-sea bridge that starts from Haier Road in Licang District, Qingdao, passes through Hongdao, and ends in Huangdao District, Qingdao. The bridge is 36.48 kilometers long and is an important part of the G22 Qinglan Expressway in the national highway network. It is also part of the 'Five Verticals, Four Horizontals, and One Ring' highway network framework in Shandong Province and the cross-sea passage between the east and west coasts of Jiaozhou Bay in Qingdao. In September 2011, the Qingdao Jiaozhou Bay Bridge was named 'The World's Best Bridge' by Forbes.

I used to only watch from afar or drive across the bridge. The Maritime Marathon is the only chance to walk on the bridge and enjoy its beautiful scenery. The sunrise reflecting on the sea is indescribably beautiful!

Why become a pacer for the Maritime Marathon?

The idea of becoming a pacer came to me because this might be my last marathon in Qingdao. I will graduate next year and leave Qingdao, so the Maritime Marathon is not only my final marathon of the year but possibly my last in Qingdao. I wanted to contribute and create unique memories. So, I applied to be a pacer with a try-it-out attitude. Thanks to my luck, the recommendation from our team leader, Brother Cat, and the trust of the organizing committee, I successfully became a 2:30 pacer for the Maritime Marathon.

On November 10th, I couldn't stay up late because I had a date with the Maritime Marathon the next day.

On November 11th, I woke up at 5 AM, put on my pacer outfit, carried my flag, and wore my ears. I was the best little pacer on the course! Looking at myself in the mirror, I was thrilled. I loved the pacer gear. But as soon as I stepped out, the wind and rain brought worries. It was raining, and the wind on the bridge might be strong. Carrying the flag, I wondered if I would be blown into the sea. It seemed like it would be a tough race! But we were lucky; the rain stopped, and the wind wasn't strong when we arrived. Except for the wet ground, it was perfect weather for running!

From the moment I entered the check-in area, I couldn't stop smiling because everything was just the way I liked it: Brother Bo thoughtfully helped me with my gear, Sister Ying helped me throw away trash, the enthusiasm of the runners, and Brother Cat's 'Xiaowei, keep it up!' I still remember it.

From the start, people around us kept saying, 'Wow, a 2:30 pacer, we'll follow you today!'

'Sure, sure, let's go together,' I excitedly replied to everyone. So, I don't have any solo photos; they are all with smiling runners.

Along the way, we cheered for the leading runners, greeted returning pacers, encouraged runners who stopped, and led those following us to the finish line, all while taking group photos. Of course, we didn't forget our pacer responsibility—precise pacing!

My knee started hurting at the 6-kilometer mark, but because of my role as a pacer, the support from everyone, and not wanting to let myself down, I kept adjusting my running posture and persevered. Fortunately, it gradually improved later. In the end, we completed the 2:30 pacing task precisely.

It's worth mentioning that the scenery of the Maritime Marathon is truly beautiful. It was raining in the morning, but then the sun slowly came out, allowing us to witness the entire beautiful view of the bridge.

I had only been a pacer once before and didn't fully understand the significance of being a pacer. This time, I finally got it. A pacer is not just about the gear, ears, flag, or balloon. It's about precise pacing, responsibility, and encouragement! Encouraging fellow runners to run together, sprint together, and finish together.

This time as a pacer was the happiest for me because, at the finish line, many runners thanked me, saying, 'Thank you, little pacer,' and 'Little pacer, let's take a photo together; we followed you all the way.' I felt everyone's recognition and realized I was a qualified pacer.

Thus, the Maritime Marathon ended perfectly!

Finally, I want to express my gratitude.

Thank you to the Maritime Marathon organizing committee for the opportunity, Brother Cat for the recommendation, Lila for sponsoring the pacer outfit, Skirt Chen for organizing, and the trust of the runners.

And lastly, some praise.

The Maritime Marathon is the best, with beautiful scenery, a great course, and excellent supplies (everything from shrimp to oysters). And the pacers are great too, so I welcome you to join the race after reading this article!

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