A 58-year-old marathon runner from Taiwan has finished second in the world’s longest certified foot race. Lo Wei-ming competed in the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race in New York City. He crossed the finish line last Saturday, completing nearly 5,000 kilometers in 48 days, 11 hours, 52 minutes, and 1 second. He’s now the first competitor from Asia to complete the race since it was first organized in 1997.

Lo Wei-ming
Ultramarathon runner
Self-transcendence is a very good precept. I upheld the ideals of Sri Chinmoy. Although I have never interacted with him myself, I upheld his teachings about gratitude, peace, purity, and self-discipline. I knew that so long as I upheld these ideals, I could finish the race. Today, I have finished it. I have done it. Today I have not lost face for the Taiwanese people. I have done my best. Thank you all.

Hsu Chun-mei
Lo Wei-ming’s spouse
Congratulations. But I also want to apologize, because you always used to say, “I want to let the world see our national flag.” And I would tell you, fat chance. Now you’ve really done it. You’re the best.

Lo has run ultramarathons for more than 20 years now. Over the course of his career, he’s captured attention for running in flip-flops. He sources his breathable footwear straight from Taiwan, and the shoes have thick cushions that soften his landings. Although he says his flip-flops give him a boost, your mileage may vary.