Marathon Runner 'Uncle Chen' Disqualified After He Chain-Smokes For Entire Race

On January 7 this year, at 52 years old, he completed the Xiamen Marathon in three hours and 33 minutes, placing 574th out of more than 1,500 runners. 

However, he was disqualified for violating the race's no-smoking rule.

Uncle Chen's habit of smoking while running has become his signature, as he had previously finished the 2022 Xinanjiang Marathon in the same position while chain-smoking. 

His photos from these events went viral, sparking varied reactions online. 

Some social media users have praised him, calling him a "legend," while others have expressed concerns about the impact of second-hand smoke on other runners. 

For instance, a Weibo user named By-Shen commented: "Whoever runs next to him is unlucky," 

And another user, Oriental Mountain, humorously asked, "Is this a doping violation?"

The Xiamen Marathon committee's decision to disqualify Chen was based on a specific rule against uncivilized behavior such as smoking during the race, which could impact the safety and experience of other runners. 

"Uncivilised behaviour from runners such as open defecation, smoking, or trampling on flower beds or green spaces that affect the race and the safety of other runners will result in disqualification."

This action aligns with the Chinese Athletics Association's initiative to promote healthy participation in road-running events and to discourage smoking.

Chen, the co-founder of the Zhejiang Xianju Road Running Association and the Zhejiang Provincial Marathon, has been a notable figure in marathons for some time. 

He was also seen smoking in the 2018 Guangzhou Marathon and the 2019 Xiamen Marathon, finishing them in 3 hours and 36 minutes, and 3 hours and 32 minutes, respectively.

His disqualification has sparked a variety of online reactions. 

On Reddit, one user joked, "Dude decided to play on hard mode, and they disqualify him?"

With another said, "IKR? This guy deserves an extra award for being able to do that." 

Yet another user expressed admiration, saying, "I couldn’t run a marathon, with or without a cigarette. So, regardless of what the regulations say, I say Uncle Chen DID THAT."

Despite the admiration, some people have highlighted the potential discomfort to other runners. 

A Reddit user, identifying as a smoker, commented, "I’m a smoker, and I would still find it very obnoxious to have somebody else smoking in front of me while I’m trying to max-perform my lungs to run. What a nut." 

Uncle Chen's unique approach to marathons has certainly made him a memorable and controversial figure in the running community.