
Recently, runners gathered at the Kunming Gymnasium to receive a white T-shirt from a number cloth and a sponsor. A few days later, 15,000 participants will take part in a high-altitude half marathon in this city, which sits at an elevation of 1,800 meters.
Across China, from the southwest border to coastal cities, more and more people are embracing running. What was once a solitary activity is now transforming into a national celebration, with marathons becoming a symbol of urban identity and pride.
On August 1st this year, 308 runners from 19 provinces across Germany, Japan, and China traveled at their own expense to Chuxiong City in Yunnan Province to join a "home marathon" organized by a passionate runner.
The event, called the "Chaoxiong Qingshan Lake Yunnan Niuts Family Marathon," was organized by Ma Liangwu, a 46-year-old worker from the Chuxiong Municipal Health Bureau. As a dedicated runner, he has completed over 50 full marathons and accumulated more than 130,000 kilometers of running.
In April 2014, Ma Liangwu, who had been running for over 20 years, participated in the Boston Marathon in the U.S. He finished in 132nd place with a time of 2 hours, 34 minutes, and 3 seconds among more than 36,000 runners.
Ma Liangwu is one of many inspiring figures in the running community. In 2012, he founded "Running in Yunnan," starting with just five people and growing to over 2,000 members today.
Rao Liqun, a 48-year-old hospital finance worker, is one of those who joined the group. She has completed 10 full marathons. “The pressure of financial work can be overwhelming,†she said. “After running, I feel more balanced, both mentally and physically.â€
Many runners see running as a personal journey, a way to connect with their inner self and find peace. However, with rising life pressures and a growing desire for health, it's no longer just a solitary act—it's becoming a nationwide movement.
With the increasing number of runners, the entire marathon scene has expanded significantly. According to the 2014 China Marathon Annual Report, over 260,000 people participated in full and half-marathon events that year, with finish rates reaching approximately 86.2% for full marathons and 91% for half-marathons.
Some sports experts believe that in the age of social media, running has evolved from a quiet, individual sport into a fashionable trend. Platforms like WeChat, Weibo, and running groups have helped spread the culture. Terms like "running" and "running friends" have become popular, while e-commerce has created a booming industry around running gear.
“Combining running with social software helps overcome the loneliness of the sport,†said Tao Shaoming, a coach for the National Women’s Long Distance Team. “It allows people to share their progress, locations, and times, giving them a sense of presence and personal expression.â€
To promote running, Tao Shaoming launched a microblog and released a book titled *Falling in Love - Running Better and Better*. “As a coach, most of the questions I get online are about sports injuries,†he said. “Many people don’t know how to exercise properly. It’s important to choose the right shoes, warm up, and build good habits.â€
Marathons have become a powerful city brand in China. While the first Beijing Marathon was held in 1981, the sport has seen explosive growth in recent years.
Tao believes that holding marathons not only promotes a healthy lifestyle but also boosts local economies. “Runners are highly motivated, and cities benefit from hosting these events,†he added.
According to the official website of the Chinese Athletics Association, there are more than 60 national marathon events scheduled from August 4th until the end of the year. From northern cities like Wulanchabu to southern destinations like Haikou, and from highland areas like Kunming to basin cities like Chengdu, marathons are sweeping across the country—even reaching remote mountainous regions like Shuifu in Yunnan.
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