Being in good enough shape to complete a full 26.2-mile marathon at 52 years old is impressive.
To do it in 3 hours and 33 minutes is even more impressive.
To do so while chain-smoking the entire race is downright insane.
That’s what a man named Uncle Chen did during the Xiamen Marathon in China earlier this year, but apparently all his effort is for naught: He has been disqualified.
Reportedly, “smoking on the track” was the reason for disqualification.
The Xiamen Marathon committee issued a statement announcing the disqualification for violating an article in the Xiamen Marathon rules and regulations.
Article 2.12 states: “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.”
Uncle Chen crossed the finish line just five minutes slower than his 3:28 finish from two years ago and placed 574th out of more than 1,500 runners this year.
He has been at this for a while, too. Uncle Chen was first photographed during the 2018 Guangzhou Marathon, which he completed in 3 hours and 36 minutes.
He competed at the same marathon a year later, finishing four minutes better at 3:32.
He previously had been allowed to compete while keeping up his bad habit, but the Chinese Athletics Association implemented a new rule last year in an effort to promote healthy participation and curb smoking during events.
So it looks like Uncle Chen’s own viral popularity was ultimately his downfall.
Reactions to Chen’s unorthodox methods have drawn both praise and criticism online and from fellow competitors.
While it is no doubt inconsiderate to others in the race, many applaud him for being able to complete the gruelling race while actively harming himself.
