After overcoming prostate cancer surgery less than a year ago, a local vet turned a long-held dream into reality by completing one of the world’s most demanding races, the Great Wall Marathon in China.
Stephen Tanner, who runs A Plus Vets, joined approximately 2000 competitors from 61 countries for the iconic event, tackling the steep stairs, relentless elevation and historic pathways of one of the world’s most famous landmarks.
Tanner said the marathon had been on his bucket list for years, but it took on greater significance following his cancer diagnosis and surgery last August.
“I had prostate cancer last year, so I set this as a goal after surgery,” he said.
“It was just a bucket list thing I always wanted to do.”
While Tanner has completed other marathons in the past, he said the Great Wall course presented a unique challenge.
“The elevation’s crazy,” he said.
“After 36 kilometres they finish you off with the stairs going up.”
The event was organised through Travelling Fit, an Australian partner of international marathon tour company Albatross, which has been running marathon events around the world for more than two decades.
Tanner said the support from local residents was a highlight of the experience.
“The people were really friendly,” he said.
“Obviously all the runners are like-minded people, travellers and people trying to look after their health a little bit.”
Along the course, villagers lined sections of the route cheering on competitors.
“They were all lining the streets saying ‘Jiā yóu, Jiā yóu, Jiā yóu, which means ‘add oil to it as you go’,” Tanner said.
“It was quite motivating and funny at the same time.”
The race also highlighted the efforts of hundreds of volunteers, with water and supplies hand-carried onto the mountain before race day to service 16 water stations spread throughout the course.
Despite admitting the demanding stair climbs had him questioning his decision during the event, crossing the finish line provided a sense of achievement and marked another milestone in Tanner’s recovery journey.
The experience has also inspired a new challenge.
“Now it’s whet my appetite so I’m going to try and do one in every continent,” Tanner said.
Future marathon goals include races in Europe, South America and even Antarctica as he continues to combine his love of running with a passion for travel.
