Not running on streets—instead, racing in rivers and seas? Unveiling the most “wild” event of the 15th National Games: How hardcore is marathon swimming?
When you think of a marathon, does the image of “tens of thousands of people racing through city streets” immediately come to mind? But the marathon we’re about to unveil today is truly something extraordinary—Underwater Extreme Challenge”
Not only does it not run on land, but it also has to “ride the waves and brave the currents” in natural bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and seas—this is precisely the event for the 15th National Games:10-kilometer marathon swimming！
Marathon swimming is both highly challenging and visually captivating.Open-water long-distance swimming competitionIts origins can be traced back to the 19th century, when humans first made the daring feat of crossing the English Channel, and it gradually evolved into a competitive sport. Finally, at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, marathon swimming became an official Olympic event.
Marathon swimming is conducted in natural bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and seas, with a race distance of 10 kilometers. The water temperature typically does not fall below 16°C.
On November 6, the contestants replenished their supplies during the competition.
The competitor must complete the entire course solely by their own strength and along the designated route.You can stop at the supply station along the way to replenish your energy.However, participants must not use external forces to propel themselves forward or take breaks. It is forbidden to deliberately obstruct or kick opponents. Violators will receive a warning and may even be disqualified.
Quick Score Overview
SPORTS
Woman
Liu Yaxin (2:11:42.9)
Yin Fangfang (2:12:04.8)
Wu Jingxuan (2:12:11.0)
Man
Zhang Ziyang (1:59:55.3)
Liu Peixin (2:00:18.4)
Lan Tianchen (2:00:59.4)
Every athlete stepping onto this competition arena is a “versatile champion”: not only must they possess superb swimming skills and extraordinary endurance, but also rock-solid mental fortitude and the ability to adapt spontaneously to changing circumstances.
Faced with sudden storms and shifting currents, one must not only maintain a steady rhythm without panicking but also stay true to one’s goal during long periods of solitary swimming. This is both a battle between oneself and one’s inner self and a dialogue between humanity and nature.
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