57-year-old Chinese cancer patient completes world's six marathon majors

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Liu Ying, a 57-year-old Chinese woman, finished the 2018 London Marathon on April 22 in 4 hours and 15 minutes. After that, she joined the world's 2,222 Six Star Finishers who have completed all six major marathons (Berlin, Tokyo, Chicago, Boston, London and New York City). What makes Liu even more special? She's a cancer patient.

Liu was diagnosed with cancer in 2014, but she refused chemotherapy and instead chose an alternative treatment – running. "I've seen what chemotherapy did to people. I would rather die running than die in bed," said Liu, who first came into contact with marathons 16 years ago.

Liu Ying finished the world's six marathon majors in two and a half years. /VCG Photo

At first, Liu was as surprised as others at how she could remain so calm as a cancer patient. As she kept running, she realized that it was marathons that made her feel alive. Liu has finished dozens of marathons since she was diagnosed with cancer. She ran her personal best of 3 hours and 49 minutes in a marathon in Chongqing Municipality and became a second-level athlete of China.

On November 27, 2015, Liu attended the Berlin Marathon in the German capital. In her first "away" marathon, she finished in 4 hours and 3 minutes, her second best finish at the time. In 2016, Liu traveled to Tokyo, Chicago and New York in succession to compete in marathons. She finished all the three events in under 4 hours.

Liu maintains her habit of running every day. /VCG Photo

Liu's hardest challenge came at the Boston Marathon on April 19, 2017 as she faced a course full of rolling hills in 30-degree weather. She finished the race in 4 hours and 12 minutes, but was taken twice to the medical center after crossing the finish line.

Liu finished all the six marathons majors in two and a half years. She still maintains a habit of running about 10 kilometers along the river every day.