STORY: My "330"
SHOOTING TIME: Recent footage
DATELINE: Aug. 1, 2024
LENGTH: 00:04:58
LOCATION: SHENYANG, China
CATEGORY: SPORTS

STORYLINE:

Voice on site:
"Five, four, three, two, one."

Voice of Tong Kuo, Marathon runner & pilot with YTO Express
"For many amateur runners, finishing a full marathon in 3 hours and 30 minutes, or less, is a major hurdle but also a dream. It was once my obsession. Now, beyond the time itself, the wind rushing past my ear is also the highest tribute."

SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): TONG KUO, Pilot with YTO Express
"My name is Tong Kuo. I'm a pilot. I've been running for about 10 years, covering a total distance of about 16,000 kilometers."

Before he became a marathon runner, Tong Kuo was busy with his work, flying for more than 12 hours each day.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): TONG KUO, Pilot with YTO Express
"I thought I couldn't live such a life. I needed to change it up a little bit. Then I started with running, which is fascinating. As long as you put in the effort, you will be rewarded. Step-by-step, I completed the first 10 kilometers, the first half marathon, and then the first full marathon."

From the sky to the ground, from flying to running, Tong keeps chasing his sky mileage with footsteps.

Voice of Tong Kuo, Marathon runner & pilot with YTO Express
"At that time, I heard that a lot of runners were aiming to run a '330'. I wondered how it could be possible. I would be satisfied if I could finish a full marathon. Later, '330' also became my obsession and my source of motivation."

Running marathons not only helps Tong maintain his physical fitness for the demanding work as a pilot, but also improves his mental well-being. He and his colleagues formed a pilot marathon club. They ran together, participated in races, and shared running plans.

SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): TONG KUO, Pilot with YTO Express
"Now there are more than 200 members (in the club). Long-distance running is a lonely sport. Even if a few of us gather for a race, though we say we run together, in fact we only start together. I usually say [at the starting point]: 'Come on, bros. See you at the finish line.' This is life. Nobody will always be with you, except yourself.
I want to be a role model for my child. We have a family chat group. I always share with them things like running or reading. "

Tong's marathon career has not been smooth sailing. In November 2020, when he participated in a cross country marathon, he experienced discomfort in his knee after running for 70 kilometers.

Voice of Tong Kuo, Marathon runner & pilot with YTO Express
"After running 100 kilometers, I couldn't continue the race any longer. I moved slowly alone in the valley. After leaving the valley, I found another hill in front of me.
I was afraid that it would impact my running career. At that time, I was not ready to say goodbye to marathons. Then I tried to do some recovery training. There's a saying that goes like, 'Put on your running shoes, then you conquer yourself.'"

In March this year, Tong set out again to participate in Wuxi marathon. Although he was in good condition, he didn't finish it in 3.5 hours.

SOUNDBITE 4 (Chinese): TONG KUO, Pilot with YTO Express
"I completed the full marathon in 3 hours and 31 minutes, which is a bit of a regret, as I missed the 3:30 mark by just one minute. However, judging from the data, I actually ran an extra kilometer, so I feel in my heart that I have already surpassed the '330' milestone.
10762. There is also a wristband inside. I need to wear it in tomorrow's race.
This is my first time running the Jinzhou marathon. Running a marathon in my hometown (Jinzhou) is a must, as it holds a special significance for me. This land has nurtured me, and I have a deep emotional connection to it."

"Do you know the river's name?"
"It's Xiaoling River."
"The people in northeast China are very hospitable."
"The finish line of the marathon is not the real finishing point. Home is the real destination."

Voice of Tong Kuo, Marathon runner & pilot with YTO Express
"A traveler away from home is like a kite. Over 1,000 kilometers away, your hometown is like the string that tugs at you."

Voice on site:
"I love Jinzhou."

Voice of Tong Kuo, Marathon runner & pilot with YTO Express
"During the marathon in Jinzhou, as I run forward, my hometown is running alongside me.
I soak in the scenery during the run, and at the finish line, my loved one is awaiting me.

SOUNDBITE 5 (Chinese): TONG KUO, Pilot with YTO Express
"If I were slightly slower, I couldn't have finished it within '330.' I pushed hard and then I succeeded. It wasn't easy, but I made it."

Voice of Tong Kuo, Marathon runner & pilot with YTO Express
"For me, as long as I improve on who I was yesterday, I feel accomplished. I am my own hero in my heart. I now truly enjoy the process of running, as it brings me immense happiness."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Shenyang, China.
(XHTV)