File photo: Athletes attend a marathon in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/66wz.com]
Wenzhou in East China's Zhejiang province will host a half marathon on March 12 and a full marathon attended by 18,000 people on March 19.
Hosting marathons has brought tangible social and economic benefits to the city. According to a report on the last full marathon that Wenzhou held in 2020, the event led to about 15.9 million yuan ($2.3 million) in consumption. More than 30 media outlets covered the sporting activity and their stories received five million views.
An official from the Wenzhou Marathon Association said marathons have also helped showcase the city's culture, bolster the tourism industry, promote the city's profile, and attract more investors.
Social sectors have also played an important role in the success of Wenzhou marathons. For example, the organization of the 2020 Wenzhou Marathon involved several social organizations and companies. Among them was Zhejiang Qingniao Jiechu Sports Culture Communication Co, which has helped organize several marathons since 2015.
According to the Wenzhou Marathon Association, the city is currently home to more than 60 companies and organizations that specialize in providing various kinds of support and services to marathons. Many charities have also offered free food to marathoners.
Data shows that marathons have become an industry that is worth more than 100 billion yuan in China. Nineteen marathons will be held in China the coming three months and the total number of such events this year is expected to reach pre-pandemic levels.
