Marathoner's tattered jacket a testament to love

CHANGCHUN - Tall and thin, sporting a beard and wearing a striking red jacket, 63-year-old Xi Zhanyu cut a distinctive figure at the third Changchun International Marathon on Sunday.

After taking up running at the ripe old age of 60, Xi has barely stopped to take a breath, participating in no fewer than 17 marathons, covering 430 kilometers.

Xi is well known in local running circles, for few people of his age can run such long distances. And his trademark flowery cotton-padded jacket has become his personal calling card.