Navigating the gauntlet

The Hood to Coast overnight relay makes its eagerly-awaited Chinese debut in July, with even seasoned marathoners readying themselves for an altogether different and intimidating long-distance challenge.

"This is not just a regular marathon," said Qu Tongxin, a first-time Hood to Coast competitor.

"I've been doing marathons for at least five years, but this race is something very different. We do not need someone to be a hero or a savior, because this is about teamwork. The lone wolf needs a pack to survive."