Feng Peiyou Targets Asian Marathon Record
The China marathoner says his next goal is to challenge the 2:04:43 Asian mark set in 2018.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Running
Chinese marathoner Feng Peiyou, who holds the national record of 2:05:58, said his next goal is to challenge the Asian marathon record of 2:04:43. Feng won bronze in the men's marathon at the 2026 Asian Games in 2:12:13.
Why it matters
The Asian record has stood since 2018, and a serious challenge to it would test how close Asian marathoners can come to the world's elite times. Feng's stated plan also reflects a broader push by runners in the region to train with more structured, science-based methods.
Feng's personal best of 2:05:58 sits 1 minute 15 seconds behind the Asian record of 2:04:43 that El Hassan El-Abbassi set at the 2018 Valencia Marathon. Feng finished his Asian Games race in 2:12:13, and the article does not specify a target date for an attempt on the record.
The players
Feng Peiyou
Chinese marathon runner from Zunyi who holds the national marathon record and is an Xtep Running Ambassador.
Xtep
Chinese sportswear brand that supports Feng's career and opened a running flagship store in Johor Baru.
El Hassan El-Abbassi
Bahraini marathoner who set the Asian marathon record of 2:04:43 at the 2018 Valencia Marathon.
The details
Feng said a scientific and structured approach, proper nutrition, sufficient rest and a healthy daily routine are essential for improvement. He also said Malaysian runners should adjust training to the country's hot and humid climate. The remarks came as Xtep opened its Premium Running Flagship in Johor Baru and donated sports equipment to local youth sports institutions.
Timeline
2018: El-Abbassi sets the Asian record of 2:04:43 at the Valencia Marathon.
2026 Asian Games: Feng wins marathon bronze in 2:12:13.
November 3, 2026: Feng states his Asian record goal and Xtep opens its Johor Baru flagship.
Season Trajectory
El-Abbassi's 2018 Valencia Marathon mark of 2:04:43 remains the Asian benchmark, and Feng's 2:05:58 national record leaves him 1 minute 15 seconds short of it. Feng's stated ambition places him as a potential challenger to a standard that has held for eight years.
Feng's attempt on the Asian record would be the next measure of how close Asian marathoners can come to elite times. Runners training in hot, humid conditions can take from his advice that climate-specific adjustments matter.
The takeaway
Feng's emphasis on structured training, proper nutrition and rest shows that consistent preparation is central to chasing a record. For runners in hot climates, adapting training to local conditions is a practical first step.
Further reading
For more on the training and racing side of the sport, see our Running coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NST Online.
