He delivered food, then made history

Zhao Jiaju made history as the first non-European athlete to win the Tour 330 ultramarathon in Italy, completing the grueling 336-kilometer course in 65 hours, 55 minutes, and 22 seconds. His victory, achieved after a previous attempt ended in defeat, underscores the extreme physical and mental demands of ultra-distance running, including navigating mountain passes and managing severe sleep deprivation. Once a food delivery rider in Wuhan who treated his daily rounds as "paid training," Zhao’s journey illustrates the capacity for individuals to push beyond perceived human limits. This achievement reflects a broader trend in China, where trail running has evolved from a niche activity into a rapidly growing sport, with event numbers surging from 65 in 2014 to over 500 by 2025, signaling a significant shift in public engagement with endurance athletics.