BEIJING — A new Chinese drama is asking audiences to consider what they would do with a single, final race. The First And Last Marathon has released its first concept poster, offering a glimpse into a story that blends family sacrifice with athletic endurance. The film, written and directed by Boren, is a co-production between Shanghai Yongergui Film Industry Co., Ltd., Jiangsu Taige Film Co., Ltd., and Shanghai Yinuohe Pictures Co., Ltd. It will be distributed by ESK (GUANGZHOU) Film Co., LTD and is slated for a spring 2027 release.
The plot centers on Luo Xiaohe, a college student who relocates to the city with his grandmother—his sole living relative. When she is suddenly diagnosed with a serious illness and requires an urgent liver transplant, Luo decides to donate part of his own liver. With encouragement from his classmates and teachers, he resolves to complete his first and last marathon before heading into surgery. For Luo, the race is not merely a test of physical endurance; it becomes a deeply personal pilgrimage shaped by love, duty, and the weight of life-altering decisions.
Producer Fei Wang emphasized that the film’s emotional impact comes from grounding sport in the realities of everyday life, rather than focusing solely on competition. “Running is both part of Luo’s daily routine and an expression of his determination,” Wang explained. “His goal extends beyond completing 42 kilometers; it is also a way of honoring his grandmother and the family they share.” Through this narrative, the production aims to convey the enduring power of love, commitment, and hope.
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Wang also detailed the logistical challenges of portraying competitive running authentically. Training sequences and marathon scenes demanded careful coordination of physical performance, emotional storytelling, and cinematography. The production team strengthened planning during pre-production and worked closely with the director, cast, sports consultants, and filming crew to weave athletic elements naturally into the story.
Director Boren praised the film’s final presentation, noting that it preserves the original screenplay’s restrained warmth and humanistic depth while exceeding expectations in production coordination and execution. The seamless integration of running scenes with Luo’s emotional journey reflects the team’s commitment to storytelling and quality, supported by Wang’s understanding of the film’s themes.
With the release of its concept poster, The First And Last Marathon begins to reveal its emotional world, inviting audiences to discover a moving story of family, perseverance, and the extraordinary strength found in ordinary lives.
Why it matters: In an era of high-octane sports blockbusters, this film takes a quieter, more intimate approach—placing a deeply personal medical and familial crisis at the center of its athletic narrative. It suggests that the most compelling race stories are not always about winning, but about what drives someone to take the first step.
Olivia Bennett
Lantern Films
media@lanternfilms.com
