Chinese long-distance runner Li Meizhen became an international talking point after she completed the 2024 Hengshui Lake Marathon despite unexpectedly getting her period during the race.
Images showing visible period blood on her shorts quickly spread across social media, sparking discussions about menstruation in sports, women’s health and the determination of female athletes.
Rather than withdrawing from the race, Li chose to continue despite menstrual cramps and bleeding, covering the final eight kilometres before crossing the finish line in 2:35:07. Her decision drew both praise and criticism, with many applauding her resilience.
Who is Li Meizhen?
Li Meizhen was born on January 3, 1999, in Hetian Town, Longyan City, Fujian Province, China. Unlike many elite athletes, she did not come from a sporting family. Her parents operated a local restaurant and guesthouse, and sports was never considered a career path during her childhood.
Her journey into athletics began in the fifth grade when she joined a school sports interest group. After winning a race, her talent caught the attention of coaches, earning her a place at the Longyan City Junior Sports School.
Li later graduated from the Shanghai University of Sport and also served as a professional athlete with the People’s Liberation Army of China, where she continued to develop as a long-distance runner.
A growing marathon career
Over the years, Li has competed in several major road races and marathons across China. She has participated in events including the 2026 Dongji New Year Marathon, the 2026 Wuxi Marathon, the 2024 Xiamen Engineering University Marathon and the 2026 CAA 10km Elite Race in Wuxi’s Mashan region.
Her consistent performances have established her as one of China’s promising marathon runners.
The marathon that made global headlines
Li’s name gained worldwide recognition during the 2024 Hengshui Lake Marathon when she unexpectedly started menstruating during the race. Despite experiencing cramps and visible period blood on her clothing, she decided not to stop.
Instead, she completed the remaining eight kilometres and finished the marathon in 2:35:07.
Photographs from the event quickly went viral, prompting conversations about menstrual health, stigma surrounding periods and the physical challenges faced by women in competitive sports.
Social media divided
While some social media users questioned her decision to continue, many others defended Li and praised her courage.
One user wrote, “You still don’t act so fragile when it’s blood from a gutted belly. It’s just blood. All women lose it every month. And no, we’re not all on schedule. Yes, accidents happen. No, it’s not degrading for her; it’s part of life.”
Another commented, “All my respects, my brave lady! It’s absolutely not shameful at all! It’s nature, and it’s a shining example of motivation and mental strength!”
A third user posted, “When I know how painful blood loss can be and MOST OF ALL how it drains us of all our energy… I can only be in awe of that performance. But NEVER would I do the same; there’s nothing better than a good bath and a hot chocolate when that happens.”
Another supporter wrote, “Hats off to her, both for the race performance and for the torrent of disrespect she must endure following this decision. The smart ones will understand. The others… we won’t hold you back.”
Nearly two years after she made headlines for completing a marathon despite unexpectedly getting her period, Chinese long-distance runner Li Meizhen is once again dominating social media timelines.
Photos and videos from the 2024 Hengshui Lake Marathon have resurfaced across platforms such as X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, introducing her story to a new global audience and reigniting conversations about menstruation, women’s health and resilience in sport.
Li Meizhen explains why she kept running
Responding to the attention her race received, Li explained that she had no intention of quitting.
“If I quit, this would mean I would have to run another marathon.”
She also said, “It doesn’t matter if my result wasn’t good. I just needed to finish it.”
Her remarks reflected her determination to complete the race despite the unexpected challenge. Nearly two years after the marathon, her story continues to resonate around the world, encouraging conversations about perseverance, women’s health and breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation in sport.