DKU Running Club members Kennedy McNeilly-Anta and Beilong Tang both recorded impressive times in the 2023 Nanjing Marathon on Nov. 12, demonstrating their skill and determination alongside a field of about 30,000 runners.
Making his marathon debut, Tang, an undergraduate in Duke Kunshan’s Class of 2025, finished the 42.2 kilometer course in 3 hr 23 min 26 sec, almost seven minutes under his target time, placing him within the top 15 percent.
Class of 2024 student-athlete and club president McNeilly-Anta recorded a time of 3:58:17 in only his second marathon attempt, marking a new personal best and placing him in the top 30 percent of finishers. In addition, he also served as the pacesetter for a local runner with impaired hearing.
Tang, who also plays on DKU’s varsity men’s basketball team, and McNeilly-Anta both expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to represent Duke Kunshan in the 2023 Nanjing Marathon. They said they look forward to taking part in more competitions in 2024 and showcasing the university’s diverse athletic talent.
Kennedy McNeilly-Anta (left) and Beilong Tang (right) at 2023 Nanjing Marathon