Meet Mongolia's New Top Runner

International Sports Master B.Munkhzaya became the first Mongolian and the second Asian runner to win the New Taipei Wan Jin Shi Marathon, which took place on March 19 in Taiwan.

Completing the 42-kilometer marathon in 2:38:08, B.Munkhzaya received a trophy and cash prize of 10,000 USD.

The state record holder in three, five, 10, 21 and 42-kilometer races spoke about the 15th New Taipei Wan Jin Shi Marathon in the interview below.Only one Asian athlete has been able to win the New Taipei City Wan Jin Shi Marathon before you, which shows how competitive and challenging the marathon is.

How were you able to take part in this event?The New Taipei City Wan Jin Shi Marathon is one of the International Association of Athletics Federations' bronze label marathons and allows only runners who are capable of completing the course under 2:40:00 to enter. I met this requirement and was able to compete in it for the first time by invitation.

The marathon was held in Taiwan and attracted more than 10,000 participants, and 16 of them were professional runners.In the past, runners A.

Gantulga and B.Battsetseg represented Mongolia in this marathon.

I have become the second Asian participant to win since its launch 13 years ago. The organizers were very surprised but impressed that an Asian runner, a Mongolian on top of that, triumphed.

Mostly Estonian and Kenyan runners won previous editions of the New Taipei City Wan Jin Shi Marathon. It was your first time participating, were you confident that you would win?I can't succeed if I disparage myself thinking that I can't beat high-level runners.

Since I was the only Mongolian in the race, I motivated myself to do my best and show them how brilliant Mongolians are.Prior to the marathon, I carefully studied its course and trained in Mongolia according to a special strategy I came up with.

Thanks to that, I was able to win.Athletes from which country were hardest to compete against?Kenyan, American and Estonian athletes were equally strong competitors.

My main goal was to stay in the lead from start to end and it proved to be a very good plan. The course consisted of many intense uphills, downhills, and rough road sections.

I didn't get exhausted as a result of my intense training.You're one of the few runners carving the history and development of athletics in Mongolia.

Can you tell us how running has impacted your life?To be honest, I hated physical education and always tried to find an excuse to skip it. I...