Marathon races booming in diversified ways in Fujian

Despite the sharp increase in races, the participant number seems to be stable. According to Zheng Jianqiang, president of Tianxiang Sports, the event organizer of the Fuzhou Marathon and Wuyishan Marathon, the market competition is getting intense as runners have more choices.

In response to this, the industry is reshuffling as many cities are increasingly aware of the need to sell their races by leveraging local advantages and resources. Long-distance running races highlighting local culture, customs and natural views have been rolled out one after another across the country.

In Fujian, the Xiamen (Haicang) Half Marathon, Fujian Tulou Yongding Marathon, Jinjiang Marathon and Taining Tour of Dajing Lake Mountain Marathon were designated national characteristic races by the CAA in 2018.

According to Zheng, marathon races have also been a driver of tourism.

Official data shows the 2018 Xiamen Marathon attracted about 22,000 visitors, generating 116 million yuan ($17.2 million) in revenue. As for the 2019 edition, 86.3 percent of the runners were from other cities, a rise of 4 percent over the previous year.

In 2018, the output of marathon industry in China reached 74.6 billion yuan, registering an increase of 7 percent year-on-year.