Xiamen Marathon Opens a New Year for China’s Marathon Craze

On January 7, 2024, approximately 30,000 runners gathered in Xiamen, Fujian Province, for the highly anticipated Xiamen Marathon—the first World Athletics Platinum Label road race of the year. This event kicked off a year brimming with marathon activities across China, reflecting the robust revival of the nation’s “marathon craze.” The increasing number of marathon events and participants underscores a cultural shift towards running as a mainstream fitness activity.

The Rise of Marathon Events in China

The trajectory of marathon events in China has experienced significant growth in recent years. With 580 road races recorded nationwide in the past year alone, attracting a staggering 5.5 million participants, running has surged in popularity. This boom includes over 300 events certified by the Chinese Athletics Association. Impressively, many weekends see more than 20 marathons happening concurrently across the country, including newly embraced formats such as trail running and quarter marathons.

A Milestone Achievement in Xiamen

The Xiamen Marathon has made a name for itself since earning the World Athletics Platinum Label in 2021, becoming the second marathon in China to achieve this honor. In 2024, the event built on its legacy, with local runner Dong Guojian achieving a remarkable time of 2 hours, 10 minutes, and 38 seconds. This performance not only earned him first place among Chinese competitors but also established a new benchmark for domestic performances in the Xiamen Marathon.

New Records and Breakthroughs in Chinese Marathons

The end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024 marked a time of significant breakthroughs for Chinese marathon athletes. In December 2023, Yang Shaohui set a new national record for the men’s marathon, clocking in at 2 hours, 7 minutes, and 9 seconds. This impressive achievement is a part of a larger pattern of advancements; another record was previously set by He Jie at the Wuxi Marathon in March 2023. These milestones inspire a growing body of elite runners, showcasing the effectiveness of enhanced training methodologies.

Marathons as Economic and Cultural Drivers

Races are increasingly seen as vital contributors to local economies and cultural identity. In 2023, Jiangxi Province celebrated over 20 urban marathons, which notably generated significant revenue, showcasing the economic potential that these events hold. According to Li Xiaoping, director of the Sports Bureau in Jiangxi, the Nanchang Marathon alone generated about 125 million yuan ($17.6 million), evidencing the financial stimulus linked to marathon events across cities.

Integrating Fitness and Tourism

Marathons are now viewed as vehicles for promoting tourism and local culture. Innovative race routes, such as those featuring cultural storytelling or offering access to local attractions, enhance the participant experience while boosting regional tourism. Events like the Guizhou Marathon provide free entry to popular tourist spots, while the Chongqing Marathon introduces local culinary culture into the racing experience through its “marathon hot pot” theme, highlighting the festive and commercial aspects of these events.

Future Prospects for Marathons in China

The future of marathons in China looks promising, with increasing participation and the continuous evolution of race formats. Experts suggest that cities will continue leveraging marathons to bolster public engagement in fitness and promote urban development. The values and experiences garnered from these events enhance the reputation of cities while fulfilling the growing demand for active, community-oriented events. As marathons expand into rural areas, they hold the potential to foster economic development and community engagement outside of metropolitan centers.

Conclusion: The Marathon Phenomenon

The Xiamen Marathon has set an encouraging tone for China’s marathon landscape in 2024. As we witness growing numbers of participants, coupled with the successful integration of cultural and economic elements, the marathon phenomenon serves as a testament to the country’s evolving engagement with fitness. For those interested in exploring the running scene, the upcoming marathons across China promise vibrant experiences that not only challenge athletes but also celebrate local heritage. By promoting both health and tourism, marathons have become a pivotal aspect of modern urban life in China.