His wife and daughter, initially skeptical, joined him. His wife completed her first 116-km race in Yangzhou, Jiangsu province in 23 hours, while the family collectively finished the Tengchong Marathon in Yunnan province.

Zhan's influence extends beyond his household. He mentors runners such as Bai Liqin, a 38-year-old novice he guided to a sixth-place finish in her debut 100-km race. "He taught me to train smart, not just hard," Bai said.

Now retired, Zhan eyes new horizons: the 400-km "800 Liusha" across the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region's deserts to Dunhuang in Gansu province, and other international races.

Yet his ultimate ambition transcends sport: "I want to inspire people to chase dreams at any age. I've reached Qomolangma's base — next, I'll stand on its summit."

Zhu Youfang contributed to this story.

zoushuo@chinadaily.com.cn