Marathon in the Megacity: Running, Climbing, and Eating Through Chongqing
Looking back, 2023 might have been my peak fitness year. At least by the time it ended. But the year kicked off strong too, and early in 2023, I ran my fastest marathon yet. The setting? Not some quiet coastal town or scenic mountain trail, but the sprawling, layered mega-city of Chongqing.
We took the high-speed train in on a Friday, arriving in the evening. The city welcomed us with the scent of spice and charcoal. We didn’t do much that night, just a solid BBQ dinner downstairs from our hotel and straight to bed.
Saturday: Stairs, Tunnels, and a City Built on Cliffs
Saturday was for a light sightseeing tour, and in Chongqing, that already means getting your legs ready. We started with one of the city’s quirkiest sights: the metro line that drives directly through a residential building. Nearby were shopping malls carved into the cliffside. Dimly lit tunnels filled with shops, lanterns, and people.
Later, I picked up my race number, grabbed some light food, and did what every marathoner should do: rest. Back to the hotel. Early night. No excuses.
Sunday: Race Day in a Vertical City
I was out the door before sunrise. The streets were thrilled, the air fresh and full of chants. I started slow, paced myself well, and ate enough along the way. By the halfway mark, I felt strong. Just a little nagging pain in my right knee. Nothing serious. I pushed through and crossed the finish line with a personal best. Fastest marathon so far. 3 hours and 40 minutes.
After the finish line, I rubbed some Wong To Yick balm into my knee and went smelly to the Hotel where I took a long hot shower, and switched from runner mode to eater mode.
We spent the afternoon in Jiangbei, where Chongqing goes full mega-city: endless malls, neon lights, and most importantly, an avalanche of street food. It was packed. Sunday crowds, marathon weekend, shoulder-to-shoulder chaos. But I didn’t care. I needed cold, sweet, juicy things. And Chongqing delivered. Fruit snacks, chilled tofu, spicy skewers, and icy drinks.
Monday: Getting Lost in Layers
We started the day slow, visiting the Huguang Guild Halls, a peaceful garden oasis with yellow walls and quiet courtyards. From there, we crossed the bridge to Longmenhao Old Street for coffee and ice cream in the sun, then walked back into the city center.
Now, if you’ve ever been to Chongqing, you know: it’s a city built on cliffs. What looks like a ground floor is often the tenth. Stairs lead everywhere. Elevators feel like teleporters. Between the ancient temples nestled beside skyscrapers and the constant shifting of altitude, it’s a workout in itself.
We passed noodle stalls, tiny shops, more stairs, and eventually ended up in Dajiaxiang, walking through a tunnel museum that was surprisingly well done. It dropped us into the Hongya Caves food court, a place that sounded better than it was. Overcrowded, overhyped, and not really worth the wait. So we climbed out again.
At the top of the cliffs, we found a quiet spot, sipped on mint tea while the sun dipped behind the towers, and then crossed to the opposite riverbank for the view: Hongya Caves glowing gold in the night, like something out of a movie.
Tuesday: Nature, Art, and One Final Surprise
Our last day was for nature. We went out to Jingangbei Ancient Village (金刚碑老村), a spot that’s clearly seen better days, but still has charm and peace in every corner. The village, with its green pathways, walls made of colorful glass, and scattered art sculptures, felt forgotten. But in the best way.
Nearby, we dipped our tired feet into the river surrounded by trees and silence. After days of stairs, races, and crowds, this calm hit just right. It was, honestly, one of the highlights of the trip.
Home with Tired Legs and a Full Heart
Then it was time to head back. Back to the train, back to Guangzhou, back to normal life. Legs sore, mind calm, and a little more proud than before.
Chongqing tested us. It made us climb, sweat, and squeeze through crowds, but it also fed us, wowed us, and gave me the fastest 42 kilometers of my life. Not bad for a long weekend getaway.
