A Woman Plans to Run About 20,000 Kilometres
Wednesday, October 21, 2026164 words3 minutes623 reads
A woman from Beijing is taking a very long journey on foot. Ria Xi plans to run about 20,000 kilometres from Asia to Europe. She started in Vladivostok, a city in eastern Russia, on May 1, 2026. Her goal is to reach Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, in summer 2027.
The planned route crosses 17 countries and follows the ancient Silk Road. This name describes historic trade routes that connected Asia and Europe. According to an October 18 report, Xi had already covered about 7,000 kilometres. That is a large distance, but it is only part of her plan.
Xi previously worked as a technology executive. She has used AI, or artificial intelligence, to help create training plans. During the run, she records information about her body, memory, motivation and energy.
The challenge involves both physical and mental effort. Following her progress means keeping one important difference clear: she is attempting this journey, and has not completed it. Her arrival date remains a goal.
