Chinese grandfather runs marathon while chain smoking

A Chinese grandfather has run a marathon in under three and a half hours – despite chain-smoking all the way.

The 50-year-old, known as ‘Uncle Chen’, ran the race in Jiande, China, last week, only slowing down to light up again in recording what is thought to be his personal best time.

Chen, who apparently only smokes when he runs, finished 574th – in 3:28:45 – out of nearly 1,500 runners.

Snaps of the Guangzhou man went viral on a Chinese social media app, and event organisers shared his finishing certificate afterwards.

The runner has a history of smoking while competing, according to Canadian Running Magazine, which reported that he ran both the 2018 Guangzhou Marathon and the 2019 Xiamen Marathon while choofing away.

Reactions to the iathlete have been understandably mixed, with some baffled by his abilities, while others said it set a bad example.

“There goes my hero. Watch him as he smokes,” wrote one Instagram user.

“Imagine being stuck behind him the whole race,” said another.

There are no rules prohibiting runners from smoking in marathons.