Fitness sector picks up the pace

Making strides

In 2023, China witnessed a resurgence in the popularity of marathons. A total of 133 road races across the country were registered between January and June, according to the Chinese Athletics Association. On the weekend of Nov 25-26, for instance, over 20 official races took place in China.

The Beijing Marathon, considered the country's flagship marathon, attracted over 130,000 applicants hoping to bag one of the 30,000 places on offer in the race ballot.

Running fever has delivered a huge economic impact. The Nanchang Marathon, for instance, generated revenue of 125 million yuan (about $17.6 million).

"Hosting marathon races has become a key driving force for economic and social development in Jiangxi province," said Li Xiaoping, director of Jiangxi Provincial Sports Bureau.

Major international events like the Chengdu Universiade and the Hangzhou Asian Games, as well as professional leagues such as soccer's Chinese Super League (CSL) and the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), have also stimulated local economic growth.