Slimmer, sleeker marathons see survival of fittest

Enthusiasm unwavering

For runners nationwide, the reduction in the number of races has not dampened their interest in hitting the pavement.

The 2026 Wuxi Marathon in Jiangsu province on March 22 received a record 495,635 registration applications, setting a new high for marathon registrations in China, with the half-marathon acceptance rate as low as 2.9 percent.

The Wuhan Marathon received 451,431 registration applications this year. Maximum participation for the full marathon was set at 17,000 runners and the half-marathon at 13,000 runners.

Other marathons in China with over 200,000 registrants so far this year include Chongqing, Lanzhou in Gansu province, and Xiamen in Fujian province, along with the Meishan Renshou Half Marathon in Sichuan province.

The Wuxi Marathon is famed for its cherry blossom-lined route, with 42.195-kilometer race passing landmarks including Taihu Lake, Lihu Lake, Shangxian River Wetland Park and Jiangnan University. The event has been recognized by Runner's World magazine as one of "China's Most Beautiful Marathon Courses".

Chen Yi, director of the Wuxi Sports Bureau, said more than 90 percent of registered runners traveled from outside the city to participate this year, highlighting the event's growing national appeal.

Veteran runner Wang Hao, who ran in this year's race, said marathons have become a significant promotional platform for the host cities.

"The Wuxi Marathon is one of the most renowned marathons in China. The host city pays special attention to enhancing its reputation through the event, doing everything possible to please the runners," he said.

Wang said the race's main sponsor, a clothing company HLA (Heilan Home), gave each athlete a yellow suitcase filled with various gifts, including local delicacies like xiaolongbao (steamed buns). On the day of the race, trains and airports were filled with these yellow boxes, creating a vivid spectacle, Wang said.

Organizers also addressed common challenges associated with large-scale marathons, such as restroom shortages and congestion. Chen said Wuxi adopted a "runner-centered" approach, including the installation of high-capacity trough-style urinals at the starting area.

Setting the pace

With a combination of scenic appeal, large-scale participation, and integrated urban services, the Wuxi Marathon is seen as a model for how sporting events can support both city branding and economic growth.

Nearly 400,000 spectators gathered in Wuxi for this year's marathon, according to Shan Tingting, deputy director of the Wuxi city government office.

"This year, the Wuxi Marathon directly boosted economic benefits in dining, accommodation, transportation, tourism, and conventions, exceeding 510 million yuan," she said.

Wang Cheng from Zhejiang province, who ran in this year's marathon, visited Wuxi attractions such as Yuantouzhu Scenic Area, Nanchang Street, and Huishan Ancient Town on Friday and Saturday before the race.

"During the marathon, cherry blossom petals gently fall onto your hair, creating a unique and delightful experience that is hard to find elsewhere," she said.

This year, the Wuxi Marathon offered five levels of discounts, highlighting the city's appeal as a sports-friendly metropolis. All participants who registered for the 2026 Wuxi Marathon could enjoy multiple discounts on travel, accommodation, and certain products.

Finishers of the Wuxi Marathon also became eligible for an 80,000 yuan housing purchase discount with their completion certificate, extending the event's attractions to include long-term home ownership.

The Wuhan Marathon, held on March 22, also boasts a beautiful cherry blossom course that connects landmarks such as Jianghan Road, the Yangtze River Bridge and the East Lake Greenway.

According to data from online travel platform Ctrip, Wuhan's overall tourism orders from March 20 to 21 showed strong growth compared with the previous weekend. Hotel bookings increased by 237 percent, homestay orders by 147 percent, and vacation and entertainment orders by 118 percent.