On the morning of November 9 at 8 AM, Charles Zhang, founder, chairman, and CEO of Sohu.com and a Ph.D. in physics, participated in the 2025 Jiangyin Xinqiao Town Half Marathon sponsored by Heilan Home. Alongside nearly 7,000 runners from across the country, he set off energetically in the light rain. Throughout the race, Zhang displayed steady pacing and excellent form, particularly shining at the 12-kilometer mark when he suddenly accelerated to a 4-minute-per-kilometer pace, leaving competitors in his group behind—a highlight of the event. Ultimately, he completed his first official half marathon challenge in 2 hours and 36 minutes.

Unlike his previous participation in the "Sohu News Marathon," which was more recreational or entertainment-focused, this marked Zhang’s first attempt at an official marathon event. Reflecting afterward, he noted the deeper atmosphere and experience of a formal race: "The course was beautiful, with violinists and performers in Hanfu cheering us on along the way. A marathon isn’t just about running—it’s a holistic urban cultural event."

During the run, Zhang maintained controlled pacing and consistency. Starting at the 12-kilometer point, he decisively sped up to a 4-minute-per-kilometer pace, quickly distancing himself from nearby runners. Even in the final two-kilometer sprint, he sustained a high pace with steady strides and even breathing, demonstrating strong endurance and rhythm control. "The half marathon felt great, and I managed my pace well!" Zhang shared on Sohu Video’s "Follow Feed."

"The overcast weather today was ideal for marathon running, and I felt very comfortable afterward," Zhang remarked in a post-race interview. He revealed that while he runs 5 kilometers daily, he rarely joins official marathon events: "This might be my first time participating in an official marathon race." Transitioning from a casual runner to completing a half marathon challenge, Zhang exemplified the spirit of perseverance and continuous self-improvement through sports.