Story By: Lee Bullen,Sub Editor: Joseph Golder,Agency: Asia Wire Report

AsiaWire/Cheng Dadu

This Chinese marathon runner is keeping fit while quarantined in his tiny flat by repeatedly running around two tables and using the short length of his hall and balcony – covering 31 miles.

As China reels from the coronavirus outbreak that has infected thousands and spread to numerous countries around the globe, citizens are staying indoors as much as possible to avoid contact with other people.

Health therapist and amateur marathon runner Pan Shancu from the city of Hangzhou in the eastern Chinese province of Zhejiang remains housebound and is using the small space in his flat to keep fit.

According to Pan, who has a marathon best of two hours and 59 minutes, he recently ran 6,250 circuits in one of his rooms.

He wrote on social media: “I have not been outside for many days, but today I could not bear sitting around anymore.

“Let’s run laps around the two massage tables in the room then! Yes, one lap is about eight metres (26 feet) and I ran 50 kilometres (31 miles), I did it in 4:48:44. I am sweating all over, feels great!”

He explained that he considers his neighbours while exercising, saying that he runs as softly as possible on the floor rather than stomping his feet.

A social media user commented: “I thought it was just me doing this crazy indoor running!”

Another Weibo user said: “Hard core! 50 kilometres without support or supply stations!”

Another netizen wrote: “The neighbours living below are going to hate you!”

The ViralTab page is created by and dedicated to professional, independent freelance journalists. It is a place for us to showcase our work. When our news is sold to our media partners, we will include the link here.