Zhang Shuihua Set for Official Comeback in Three Days, Appears at China’s Easternmost Point Ahead of New Year Marathon

Zhang Shuihua, widely known as the “fastest nurse,” has officially confirmed her return to competition. On January 1, she will make her first race appearance after nearly a month away from the circuit. Following her run at the Shenzhen Marathon on December 7, Zhang entered a period of inactivity due to disciplinary issues. On Tuesday, she was spotted in Fuyuan, Heilongjiang, preparing for the upcoming New Year marathon.

Videos shared online show Zhang dining with her husband at a local restaurant in Fuyuan, enjoying regional specialties such as river fish. She appeared calm and composed, in good spirits, and later entered a private room accompanied by staff, keeping a notably low profile.

According to registration records, Zhang is set to compete in the Dongji New Year Marathon on January 1. Known as China’s easternmost city, Fuyuan features harsh winter conditions, making a full marathon on snow and ice a rare and demanding experience. In just three days, Zhang will line up alongside fellow runners, aiming for a strong performance.

The race marks Zhang’s return to official competition 25 days after her last appearance. On December 9, she received disciplinary action from her hospital for unauthorized paid work and misuse of compensatory leave. She subsequently skipped three consecutive weekends of racing and declined all media interviews, opting to remain out of the spotlight.

Zhang last competed at the Shenzhen Marathon on December 7, clocking a time of 2:35:52 and earning a prize of USD 6,000 (approximately RMB 42,000). Between October 19 and December 7, she completed four marathons in just 49 days, accumulating nearly RMB 220,000 in pre-tax prize money and showcasing impressive form.

Notably, Zhang typically arrives at race locations just one day before competition. This time, however, she reached Fuyuan four days in advance. Given the three-day New Year holiday, many observers believe she has arranged adjusted leave to allow for focused preparation.