One of the founders of the group is Zhu Xishan, an oncologist from Peking University First Hospital, who has nurtured a fervent passion for running over the years. The growing popularity of running in China, coupled with frequent reports of sudden deaths and severe dehydration incidents during races, led Zhu to feel a strong obligation to leverage his medical expertise to aid fellow runners more effectively.
Zhu and several like-minded doctors broached this pressing issue during an academic conference in November 2015. They reached a consensus on the need for an organization that could combine their medical knowledge with their love for running to provide specialized support at running events. This pivotal meeting led to the formation of the Beijing Doctor Runners. On its first day, the group attracted over 100 doctors from premier hospitals across Beijing, with Zhu assuming the mantle of group leader.
Today, the group has grown considerably, boasting a membership of over 1,300 doctors. These doctor runners have collectively participated in more than 180 marathons across the country, providing medical assistance to over 8,000 runners.
Beijing doctor runners participate in a training camp at Chaoyang Park on May 4 (COURTESY PHOTO)
Enhancing safety
"The origin of the marathon is steeped in tragedy, and we must always approach the 42.195 km with reverence," Zhu told newspaper People's Daily. He noted that the Chinese Athletics Association had previously issued guidelines aimed at increasing the number of doctor runners across the country.
In response to this directive, the Beijing Doctor Runners developed the Chinese Doctor Runners' Guide, which addresses common injuries, diagnostic procedures, and emergency equipment among other topics.
"Doctor runners can be strategically placed throughout the race, running at varying paces, so that they are able to swiftly identify and respond to emergencies among runners," Zhu said.
According to data from the China Marathon website, in 2023, China hosted 699 road races, including 245 full marathons and 377 half marathons. As the popularity of these events increases, so too does the incidence of accidental injuries. Some severe cases, such as when a patient's heartbeat or breathing stops suddenly, present a critical rescue window of just a few minutes, underscoring the importance of immediate medical intervention.
"We are truly by the runners' side, prepared to address everything from minor bumps to severe fractures, or even sudden cardiac arrest on the spot," said Ma Mingtai, deputy head of the Beijing Doctor Runners and an orthopedic surgeon at Peking University People's Hospital. "The most feared scenario in a marathon is sudden cardiac arrest leading to unconsciousness, which unfortunately occurs almost every year," Ma told newspaper Beijing Daily, emphasizing the critical four-to-five-minute window for treatment following collapse.
In 2018, Beijing Doctor Runners published their first book, Do You Really Know How to Run?, and this August, they released a second volume. The new book offers professional guidance on numerous technical issues of interest to runners, such as running posture, pacing and maximal oxygen uptake.
It also includes assessments to determine an individual's suitability for running, advice on how to warm up before a run and cool down afterward, strategies for planning running schedules in different seasons and weather conditions, nutritional strategies during runs, tips on how to participate in marathons, and methods for preventing and treating sports injuries.
"Under the guidance of this book, every running enthusiast can confidently tackle each challenge, whether in training or on the course," said Zhang Deshun, holder of the Chinese women's half-marathon record. "Let us embrace the endless joy and sense of achievement that running brings with a scientific attitude."
The healing run
In addition to contributing their medical expertise during running events, doctors also gain a deeper understanding of safe long-distance running through their personal experience. Ning Zhiwei, head of the Endocrinology Department at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital of Capital Medical University, has been an avid marathon runner for over five years, participating in more than 10 events.
"Firsthand experience as a runner allows me to provide better and more actionable advice to my patients, particularly those with diabetes, on the importance of diet control and exercise," he told People's Daily. Although he initially struggled with sports during his school years, running eventually emerged as his preferred form of physical activity, offering him a clear direction for maintaining fitness. With growing knowledge and experience, he has cultivated a unique understanding of marathon running from an endocrinologist's perspective.
Wang Ruijun, a spinal surgeon at the General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces in Beijing, explained that many medical professionals are drawn to running due to the substantial benefits it offers. "Given the high demands and mental pressure of our jobs, running serves as a convenient and affordable way to alleviate stress," he said.
Wang said he runs every day after work, even before a night shift. This routine helps him release pent-up emotions and maintain a positive, healthy mindset.
Doctor runner group not only exists in Beijing. Similar groups have formed in several other cities.
Li Gang from Chang An Hospital in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, began his marathon journey in 2017, signing up for a full marathon on his first attempt despite skepticism about his capacity to complete one. After a month of training, he successfully completed the race and has been an enthusiastic runner ever since.
Today, the Chang An Hospital Running Group boasts hundreds of members, including medical staff and others interested in health and emergency care. They organize regular runs, training sessions, competitions, and health lectures every week.
"We hope that through us, more running enthusiasts can engage in the sport in a healthier manner," Li told newspaper Shaanxi Daily.
(Print Edition Title: Racing to the Rescue)
