Marathons thrive in China, boosting economic growth

Beijing bustling

The 2024 Beijing Marathon is set to kick off on Sunday, with organizers announcing a record number of over 180,000 runners registering for the event.

Despite the participation cap of 30,000 athletes, the overwhelming demand has led to an unprecedented number of signups. After registrations opened on Oct 2, a remarkable 182,949 runners from 43 countries and regions submitted their applications in just three days.

Wang Xiaoying, a member of the executive committee of the Chinese Athletics Association, emphasized that the Beijing Marathon, as a premier marathon event in China, will continue to strengthen organizational standards, optimize event services and enhance overall quality.

The start, located on the eastern side of Tian'anmen Square, will be moved 100 meters north, allowing all runners to assemble on the eastern road of the square for a more streamlined start.

The event organizers also unveiled the design for this year's finisher's medal and participant apparel. The medal blends Eastern aesthetics with modern artistry, featuring a design that highlights the unique shapes of the National Stadium (Bird's Nest) and the National Speed Skating Oval (Ice Ribbon).

The overlapping patterns on the medal reflect the rich cultural heritage of Beijing as an ancient capital and its identity as a city that has hosted both Summer and Winter Olympics.

Cai Cheng, a visually impaired man born in the 1990s and head of a domestic service company, competed in the Tianjin Marathon and completed his first half-marathon in 3 hours and 5 minutes. "I only had two months of structured marathon training, and I owe my performance to Wang and the other accompanying runners," Cai shared, admitting that he rarely has the chance to exercise.

For marathon participants, a certain level of excitement can boost performance, but for first-time runners like Cai, too much excitement can hinder progress. Before the race, Cai experienced discomfort in his feet, but he was determined to push through. "If I quit halfway, it would be unfair to the accompanying runners who have supported me the whole way. I had to finish the race for them," Cai said.

To help Cai pace himself, Wang and the other runners kept talking to him, encouraging him and helping him focus. "Holding the guide rope, my initial fear and tension disappeared, and by the final kilometers, I had forgotten about the discomfort in my body," Cai added.

After crossing the finish line, Cai and his accompanying runners embraced warmly.

"I used to focus on my result, but this time, I dedicated all my energy to supporting others. It felt completely different. It was a challenge to manage my own pace while encouraging someone else," Wang said.

"Many people came to cheer for the visually impaired during this race, showing that more and more people are paying attention to these individuals who strive to live their lives. We should also consider what more we can do for them. Perhaps we can start by ensuring that blind lanes are kept clear of obstacles," she added.