Marathon athlete Li Zicheng shares his stories on running with marathon lovers at an event organized by Yiren Wealth on March 12, Beijing. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In addition to having strict self-discipline, Li has also helped many marathon lovers improve their long-distance results. He also established his own running club to share his invaluable experience with anyone interested in marathon.

The Chinese Athletic Association announced the latest bid data for domestic marathons on March 11. The figures shows a total of 1,581 marathons and related events were held in China last year, with an average of 4.3 games taking place every day.

Meanwhile, the cumulative number of participants in domestic marathons has reached 5.83 million. It is clear China's middle class are the mainstream for the marathon craze.

Nowadays, middle-class people pay more attention to the healthy lifestyle, and invest some of their spending for their health.

With regard to the issue, Li said running a marathon is just like making a rational, steady and long-term investment. "You may not see the effects immediately, but the longer you insist on continuing, the better result you will get."

"Quite a few people have misunderstandings about marathons, and I have to let them know the truth," Li said. "Also, some of my club members have incorrect training plans, which may do harm to their health. I have to correct those plans."

Li also added the feeling of helping others is as fantastic as winning races.

In the coming days, Li is ready for the 2019 Beverly Wuxi Marathon, hosted by Chinese Athletic Association, Sports Bureau of Jiangsu Province, and Wuxi Municipal People's Government.

Marathon athlete Li Zicheng shares his stories on running with marathon lovers at an event organized by Yiren Wealth on March 12, Beijing. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

As one of the top marathons in the country, the 2019 Beverly Wuxi Marathon is supported by Yiren Wealth, a well-received online wealth management platform with strong and deep marathon culture, which will bring a team of a hundred runners to Wuxi Marathon on a consecutive sixth year.

The annual Beverly Wuxi Marathon has a special connection for Li, as the athlete won his first international champion there in 2015.

In the interview with Li, the athlete also says he is grateful for entities like Yiren Wealth who consistently offer strong financial and motivational support to the marathon — a reflection of their own entrepreneurships and a way to pass on the sport's spirit and culture.

"Each time I am in the process of finishing the game, my brain is filled with memories of tough training and effort I have made so far, and it is such a complicated feeling," Li said. "But happiness takes control over sorrows, always."

Thomas A. Edison said genius is 1 percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration. Likewise, from Li's perspective, "being a top marathon runner requires some gifts, but persistence is the final key to determine how far you can go both in the running course and life."