Marathon races booming in diversified ways in Fujian

Marathon races are booming in diversified ways in East China's Fujian province amid the nationwide rising craze for the long-distance running events.

According to the Chinese Athletics Association, there were just 22 long-distance runs held nationwide in 2011. By 2018, that number had soared to 1,581.

Statistics show that Fujian hosted 60 last year, up by 27 year-on-year, ranking it ninth among 31 provinces and municipalities. The figure means that in every week of 2018, there was a marathon taking place in the province.

The Xiamen Marathon, Fuzhou Marathon and Wuyishan Marathon are listed as national gold races by the CAA.

The first 'gold label' event on the 2019 calendar of the athletics' world governing body, the IAAF, the Jan 6 Xiamen Marathon attracted over 35,000 marathoners to one of the nation's most popular marathons.

Weng Biao, professor of the school of physical education at Fujian Normal University, attributed the fever to rising fitness awareness and promotion requirements.

He noted that the marathon is indeed a race, which is helpful in enhancing the host city's global recognition and influence. A change of routes annually could fulfill the greater requirements to showcase the city's image.