Pingtan, an island located off the coast of Fujian province and recognized as China's second international tourism island after Hainan, recently hosted the 2025 Pingtan Couple Healthy Coastal Run. On May 25, at 7:00 a.m., over 2,000 runners embarked on a scenic journey through the island's mountainous and coastal landscapes.

The event, uniquely themed around couples, aimed to blend competitive sports with cultural tourism, showcasing Pingtan's charm as an international tourist destination. The race featured three categories: "Individual Coastal Run," "Couple Coastal Run," and "Happy Run." The course wound along Pingtan's ecological coastline, passing by landmarks. A highlight was the sight of couples, many adorned in custom-matching outfits, running hand-in-hand, their vibrant attire a dynamic contrast against the coastal backdrop.

In the individual women's competition, Fuzhou runner Hu Ling clinched the championship with a commanding performance. Hu, who previously secured sixth place in a 2023 Pingtan marathon, noted, "The sea breeze resistance was far greater than on city tracks, but the sound of the waves felt like natural cheers, pushing me towards the finish line." Among the "Happy Run" participants, Zeng Xiankui and Luo Huiting, a couple from Shenzhen, held a handmade "food map," planning their post-race culinary adventures. "The aroma of fried eel and seafood noodles is almost wafting onto the track," Luo Huiting exclaimed, "We're going to have a feast after the race!"

This year's event integrated cultural and tourism resources, offering participants discounts on admission to certain attractions with their race bibs. Pingtan Straits Sports Industry Development Co., Ltd.'s Event Operation Department Supervisor, Zhang Jiemin, emphasized the broader impact of the event. "The race is not only a competitive platform but also an accelerator for urban development. The newly added couple's run promotes a healthy view of love and allows runners from across the country to experience the ecological beauty of Pingtan," Zhang said.

Tales of Love and Running on the Pingtan Coast

Among the sea of runners, several couples stood out, each with a unique story of love and shared passion for running.

"Bull Demon King and Princess Iron Fan": Two Decades of Shared Journey

A couple dressed as the iconic characters from Journey to the West garnered significant attention. The husband, Ye Chuanxiao, donned a bull-horned helmet and a red cape, while his wife, Ye Lifen, held a plantain fan and wore a flowing gown. The Fuzhou couple, married for 20 years, displayed a seamless rapport.

Ye Chuanxiao, who owns a beef hotpot restaurant in Fuzhou, jokingly remarked, "Everyone says I run like a bull. I've worn this armor in many races, but this is the first time I've brought my wife along. I specially picked out her outfit." After the race, Ye Chuanxiao was seen fanning his "Princess Iron Fan" and offering her water, playfully mirroring the "domineering on the surface, deeply affectionate within" relationship of their characters. Ye Lifen reflected, "Marriage is like running; there are ups and downs, and it requires perseverance. Being able to run together for 20 years relies on 'fanning the flames and extinguishing fires' for each other, which is tolerance."

Guizhou's "Nezha Couple" Adds Whimsy to the Race

Another eye-catching pair hailed from Guizhou. Wang Qinli, the wife, had her hair styled in double buns and sported Nezha's distinctive "flame strip" on her forehead. Wang and her husband, Qiu Pingxiong, who work in Fuqing, captured their race experience for nearly a million followers. Wang Qinli, a popular fitness blogger, live-streamed their journey and shared their experiences in Pingtan with her online audience.

"We usually bring our child to Pingtan to play in the sand, but running side-by-side in a race is a first," Qiu Pingxiong said, wiping sweat from his wife's forehead. He explained that they typically participated in different race categories, and the unique couple's group in Pingtan offered them a chance to run together, a moment they were eager to share with their viewers. "I chose the Nezha costume today because we're racing in Pingtan, by the sea. I hope this 'Nezha Conquers the Sea' image adds a different kind of fun to the event," Wang Qinli shared.

Bound by Running, United by Love

Among the many participants, a couple from Fuzhou, who supported each other throughout the race, caught the attention. Lu Shan, from Fujian, and Pan Jiabao, from Henan, met through their shared love for running. Their participation in this event saw them running side-by-side once again, creating a heartwarming scene on the course.

Lu Shan and Pan Jiabao's story began at a marathon in 2017. Their common interest in running brought them closer, leading to their marriage in 2019 and their home in Fujian. Despite their continued passion for running, conflicting race schedules often meant they competed separately in recent years. The special "couple's group" in the Pingtan Couple Healthy Coastal Run finally allowed them to race together.

"We met through running and got together. In previous years, we often participated in races together, but later, due to our respective schedules, we mostly ran separately," Lu Shan said with a smile after the race. "Being able to cross the finish line together this time feels especially meaningful." Pan Jiabao added, "Running is a testament to our love. Completing the race side-by-side today felt like going back to when we first met."

"Running in Pingtan, amidst the mountains and the sea, was incredibly enjoyable, and the atmosphere was fantastic. To describe it in one sentence – we measured this romance with our footsteps and witnessed this beauty with the mountains and waters. It felt incredibly romantic and beautiful," remarked participant Lin Jinghui.