Chinese Runner Finishes Marathon Despite Getting Her Period

A Chinese marathon runner has captured global attention after completing a full marathon despite getting her period during the race. Li Meizhen, a 25 year old athlete from China, continued running after experiencing unexpected menstruation near the end of the 2024 Hengshui Lake Marathon in Hebei, China.

Her determination has since gone viral, sparking conversations about women in sports, menstrual health, and breaking the stigma around periods.

Li Meizhen continued running during the marathon despite getting her period

Li Meizhen was competing in the 2024 Hengshui Lake Marathon when she got her period at around the 34 kilometre mark. With only a few kilometres left before reaching the finish line, she faced a difficult decision: stop the race or continue despite the unexpected challenge.

The marathon runner chose to keep going.

Photos and videos from the race showed visible menstrual blood as Li continued running towards the finish line. While the moment attracted attention online, many people praised her determination, mental strength, and ability to stay focused despite the situation.

Completing a 42.195 kilometre marathon requires months of preparation, intense training, and strong physical endurance. For any runner, dealing with cramps, discomfort, or unexpected bleeding during such a demanding race can be challenging.

Despite the circumstances, Li stayed focused on completing the marathon.

Why Li Meizhen decided not to quit the race

According to reports, Li needed to complete the marathon to achieve a qualifying time for an upcoming championship. If she had stopped, she would have needed to join another marathon event to secure the required result.

Instead, she pushed through and finished the race.

Li crossed the finish line with an impressive time of 2 hours, 35 minutes, and 7 seconds, placing among the top female runners at the event.

Her achievement quickly gained attention because it showed the discipline and resilience required to compete at a professional level, even when unexpected obstacles appear during a major sporting event.

Although the Hengshui Lake Marathon took place in 2024, Li Meizhen’s story went viral again after videos from the race resurfaced online.

Many people praised the Chinese runner for bringing attention to a topic that is still often considered uncomfortable to discuss: menstruation.

For many female athletes, periods can affect training and performance. However, conversations about menstrual health in sports have often been limited because of stigma and embarrassment.

Li’s experience helped highlight that menstruation is a natural part of life and something many women continue to manage while pursuing their goals.

At the same time, her story also opened discussions about the fact that every person experiences periods differently. Some athletes can continue competing while menstruating, while others may experience severe cramps, fatigue, dizziness, or heavy bleeding that can affect their ability to perform.

Li’s decision to finish the marathon reflects her own personal experience and determination. It does not mean every athlete should push through pain or ignore their body’s needs.

False rumours about Li Meizhen’s marathon clarified

As Li Meizhen’s story spread across social media, some posts shared false claims that the runner had died during the marathon.

These rumours are not true.

Li successfully completed the race and continued her career as a competitive runner. She has also continued participating in races and improving her marathon performances after the viral moment.

The spread of misinformation online is also a reminder for readers to check reliable sources before sharing dramatic claims on social media.

Why Li Meizhen’s story continues to inspire people

Li Meizhen’s marathon journey became more than just a sporting achievement. It became a story about perseverance, determination, and overcoming unexpected challenges.

For many people, her experience is relatable because life rarely goes exactly according to plan. Sometimes, challenges appear at the most inconvenient moments, and success comes from finding the strength to keep moving forward.

Her story also encourages more open conversations about women’s health and reminds people that periods are a normal part of life, not something to be ashamed of.

While running a marathon may not be everyone’s goal, Li’s determination carries a message that applies beyond sports: setbacks can happen at any point, but staying focused on what matters can help you reach the finish line.

Image credit : @popzone | X