“Quit After 2km for Appearance Fee?” Controversy Grows: Zhang Shuihua Faces Doubts but Continues Supporting Influencer Races—Says She Owes No One

On April 19, the Shiping Marathon in Yunnan kicked off, but “fastest nurse runner” Zhang Shuihua withdrew after just one to two kilometers, sparking widespread debate.

In a livestream afterward, she explained that she felt unwell early in the race and chose to stop to avoid further physical risk. Notably, this was her second race within eight days, and even a half marathon can be physically demanding under such conditions.

Earlier this year, her family had mentioned that she struggles with high-altitude environments, which may have contributed to her discomfort during the race.

Despite this, some netizens criticized her decision, with a few questioning her commitment. In response, she stated, “We are ordinary people—we also need to make a living,” reflecting her perspective amid the backlash.

From the organizer’s standpoint, however, her contribution extended beyond race performance. In the days leading up to the event, Zhang Shuihua actively promoted local tourism and culture, highlighting attractions and regional specialties such as Shiping tofu.

A journalist covering marathons noted that her promotional efforts had already exceeded expectations. In long-distance running, withdrawals due to physical conditions are not uncommon, and athlete safety remains the top priority.

Ultimately, the incident highlights the tension between public expectations of “influencer athletes” and the realities of endurance sports—where both performance and promotional impact are increasingly intertwined.