Chinese marathon runner "Smoker" disqualified for smoking during marathon (3 photos + 1 video)

22 January 2024

In November 2022, Chen Bangxian, a 50-year-old Chinese amateur marathon runner, became famous on social media for running a marathon while smoking cigarettes the entire distance.

He completed the 42-kilometer city marathon in Jiande, Zhejiang province, in an impressive three hours and 28 minutes, beating thousands of other competitors, all while smoking. In fact, that’s why he was nicknamed “The Smoker.” At that time, there were no clear rules banning smoking at marathons in China.

However, he showed the best time in 2019, running the same distance in 3 hours 32 minutes. And also constantly smoking.

However, this year Chen's habit led to serious consequences at the Xiamen International Marathon: he was given a two-year ban from competing, his race results were annulled, and he may face further disciplinary action from the China Athletic Association (CAA).

This is the first penalty of the 2024 domestic marathon season and the first time a competitor has been disqualified for smoking during the race. Another participant, surnamed Lin, also received a two-year ban from the event for using an electric first aid vehicle without permission.

In 2022, it was because of him that smoking at marathons was decided to be considered harmful. And the athletes themselves, who lead a healthy lifestyle, were terribly indignant that they had to run in tobacco smoke. Some, particularly principled ones, even advocated banning the “Smoker” from participating in future competitions.

As early as October 2023, the Xiamen Marathon rules stated that smoking on the course was considered "uncivilized behavior" along with other offenses such as public urination, littering, damaging green space and endangering the safety of other runners. But last year Chen missed the event, but this year he ran into fines and a ban.

According to Canadian Running, Chen is a co-founder of the Zhejiang Xianjiu Road Running Association and the Zhejiang Marathon in his hometown of Taizhou.