Exclusive Q&A: In Conversation with China’s 2:05 Marathon Phenomenon, Feng Peiyou (丰配友)

When an athlete makes history as the first runner from his country to break the elusive 2:06 barrier, you expect an imposing figure. But when I met Feng Peiyou (丰配友) during his visit to Johor Bahru for the Xtep Flagship Store Grand Opening at Mid Valley Southkey, I was greeted by a humble, down-to-earth 25-year-old with a warm smile and an undeniable passion for speed.

Passionate about speed. An exclusive interview with Feng Peiyou

As an XTEP Running Ambassador, Feng Peiyou is proving to the world that Asian marathoners can challenge the very best. Fresh off winning Bronze in the men's marathon at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya and setting a blazing Chinese National Record of 2:05:58 at the Tokyo Marathon earlier this year, Peiyou sat down with me for an exclusive chat about high-altitude grit, nosebleeds, fast cars and what drives a record breaker.

Part 1: The Making of a Record Breaker

Q: Congratulations on your historic Tokyo Marathon performance! Take us back to that finish line in Tokyo. What was going through your mind the second you crossed in 2:05:58?

A: Honestly, I felt immensely excited! It was completely unexpected, and I was just thrilled to see that time on the clock. You put in the hard work every day, but when everything comes together on race day like that, it proves what Asian runners can achieve on a global platform.

Around the 20km mark in Tokyo, Feng Peiyou suffered a nosebleed that left a visible blood stain on his white vest. Undeterred, he pushed on to not only finish the race, but also break the Chinese men's marathon national record.

Q: Mid-race in Tokyo, you suffered a nosebleed while running at a world-class pace. What happened, and how did you mentally push past it?

A: The weather in Tokyo that day was extremely dry, and my body just wasn’t fully accustomed to the low humidity. But physically, everything else felt great! I knew my legs were good and my breathing was steady, so I didn't let it distract me—I just kept running my rhythm.

Q: Looking back, does enduring a moment like that make the National Record even more meaningful to you?

A: [Smiles] Of course. Every obstacle you overcome on the course adds depth to the result at the end.

Leaving his mark. Feng Peiyou signs a commemorative column in honour of his historic 2:05:58 Chinese national marathon record at Xtep's flagship store in Mid Valley Southkey, Johor Bahru.

Q: You followed that up by representing China at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, bringing home a Bronze medal. How did representing your nation feel on that podium?

A: I felt deeply proud to wear the national colours and compete for a medal on the international stage.

Q: How did your mental preparation and race strategy differ between a World Marathon Major like Tokyo versus a championship race like the Asian Games?

A: At a major commercial race like Tokyo, the primary focus is pure performance—racing the clock to hit the fastest possible time. At the Asian Games, it’s a tactical battle for finishing positions and medals. The pacing is different, so your preparation has to be much more detailed and adaptable to sudden surges.

Part 2: High Mileage, Naps & Race-Day Rituals

Q: How many marathons do you typically race in a calendar year?

A: I keep it focused—usually just two or three marathons a year. That allows me to build proper training blocks and recover fully.

Q: What does a peak training week look like for a 2:05 marathoner?

A: From Monday to Friday, I run around 30 kilometres a day. On weekends, I incorporate double sessions in the morning and evening. Overall, my weekly volume stays right around 180 kilometres.

Q: With that level of volume, how do you handle recovery and pre-race pressure?

A: Sleep is my main recovery tool—I get about eight hours at night plus a two-hour afternoon nap every day. As for pressure before a big race, I try not to overthink things. I just focus on executing my plan and doing my absolute best. When the race gets tough, I stay calm, manage my breathing and tune into my body.

Q: What is your exact nutrition and hydration strategy during a 42km race?

A: I take onboard water at the official aid stations along the route, and I consume energy gels at four key markers: 10km, 20km, 30km, and 35km. Before the race, I keep my meals light, plain and easy to digest.

Part 3: Beyond the Race Course (Cars, Guizhou & Beyond!)

Q: Most fans know you as an elite runner, but how do you unwind when you're off the track?

A: After hard training sessions, I get a massage to help my muscles recover, enjoy good food and go for relaxing walks. Outside of athletics, I enjoy playing casual video games and I’m a huge fan of cars!

Q: Do you listen to music when you train, and who is on your playlist?

A: Yes, I love listening to energetic, cheerful music while training to keep my tempo up. I don't have one single favourite singer, but I really enjoy classic tracks—especially "海阔天空" (Boundless Oceans, Vast Skies) by Beyond.

Q: You hail from Guizhou province. What would you like Malaysian runners to know about your hometown?

A: Guizhou is blessed with beautiful mountain scenery, rich local culture and incredible food! Almost every city in Guizhou hosts its own marathon now. I warmly invite Malaysian runners to come over to race, sightsee and discover our local dishes!

Part 4: Connecting with Malaysian Runners & Gear Talk

Q: How has your experience been interacting with the Malaysian running scene during this trip?

A: The running atmosphere here is fantastic! The passion is real. I had the chance to join local running groups—including 追风跑团 (Wind Runners Running Club)—for a run, and I thoroughly enjoyed the energy. Given the opportunity, I would love to come back and race a full marathon here in Malaysia!

Q: Xtep has supported you throughout your marathon career. How do their shoes fit into your training and racing arsenal?

A: Xtep has provided me with complete equipment support from day one. Their shoes are extremely comfortable, stable and offer powerful forward propulsion. For race day, I choose the Xtep 160X 8.0 Pro carbon racer. For daily mileage and workout sessions, I rely on models like the 260X and 360X.

Engineered for speed, the Xtep 160X 8.0 Pro pairs responsive cushioning with race-day efficiency for long-distance runners.

Q: What is your main advice for everyday runners choosing racing shoes or trying to stay injury-free?

A: The golden rule is to choose a shoe that fits your specific foot shape and running style, rather than just buying what's trending. To avoid injuries, prioritise quality sleep and follow a structured, scientific training plan—never push yourself past destructive pain.

Q: If you could leave Malaysian runners with one final thought, what would it be?

A: Enjoy every step of your running journey, chase your personal bests with passion and I hope to see you all on the race course somewhere in the world!

 The Grand Opening of Xtep Flagship Store, Mid Valley Southkey, Johor Bahru

RUNWITME SAYS: 

When a 2:05 marathoner runs through a nosebleed to set a National Record, you pay attention! 

Sitting down with China’s record-breaking marathoner Feng Peiyou (丰配友) in Johor Bahru was a pure masterclass in humility and mental toughness. From logging 180km weekly training blocks and jamming to Beyond's "海阔天空", to his love for fast cars and putting Xtep's carbon racers to the ultimate test, Peiyou proves that elite performance comes down to consistency, smart recovery and enjoying the ride.

One for the memory with Chinese national marathon record holder Feng Peiyou.

The Key Takeaway for Us Everyday Runners? Prioritise quality sleep, stick to a scientific training plan, wear shoes that truly fit your feet and never give up when the course gets tough. 

Acknowledments: A huge thank you to Xtep Malaysia for organising this exclusive interview session and bringing world-class running inspiration right here to Malaysia!