Over the past weekends, China burst into life with more than 60 marathon events held back-to-back across the country. Running enthusiasts laced up their sneakers, embracing the warm spring weather and becoming part of what's affectionately dubbed the \"Marathon Super Weekend\" by locals.
According to the annual blue book of marathons released by the Chinese Athletics Association (CAA) last week, 2023 saw a staggering 6,051,900 runners participating in 699 road running events nationwide. This number nearly mirrors the pre-pandemic figures of 2019, showcasing a resilient and booming running community. Full marathons saw a slight increase, while half marathons dipped by 18 events. CAA-accredited events attracted around 4.18 million runners, just shy of 2019's 4.23 million.
Remarkably, marathoners tackling the full and half distances made up 56.93% of all participants. These runners aren't just numbers; they're the heartbeat of China's growing love for the sport, signaling a vibrant and health-conscious society.
🚀 Breaking Personal Limits
The dedication is real! Last year, a record-breaking 11,897 runners completed the grueling 42.195-kilometer distance in under three hours. Talk about speed! Additionally, 56,250 athletes crossed the finish line in just 3.5 hours.
There's a youthful surge too. The age group with the highest participation shifted from 45-49 in 2019 to 40-44 in 2023. Male runners pushed the average completion time to an impressive 4 hours, 12 minutes, and 8 seconds. Not to be outdone, female runners also stepped up their game, finishing on average in 4 hours, 24 minutes, and 14 seconds. You go, girls! 🎉
This energetic shift highlights not just personal achievements but a collective movement towards fitness and community. The Marathon Super Weekend isn't just an event; it's a celebration of endurance, perseverance, and the unbreakable spirit of millions.
So next spring, if you find yourself in China, maybe dust off those running shoes and join the wave! 🌊🏃♀️🏃♂️
Reference(s):
China's 'Super Marathon Weekend' on full display in fleeting spring
cgtn.com
