Since 2013, over 50 marathon events registered by the China Association of Athletics have taken place annually, along with a similar number of mountain cross-country races. These events have transformed into a major championship in mainstream sports. As runners rush through the courses, they’ve turned into a mass participation event, drawing about a million participants and 300 million viewers watching on-site or via television. This phenomenon has become one of the most significant social and cultural movements in China since 2008.
Two years ago, when I traveled to the U.S. on behalf of a sports media group to negotiate the Chinese rights for "Runner's World" with Rockdale Group, we had a strong belief that running would take off in China, although we didn’t expect it to happen so fast. Running has been popular in the West for over four decades. As a public good of human civilization, with China’s economic growth and improved living conditions, it was only a matter of time before a running boom took hold. In terms of running, after the Western stronghold was broken, this simple movement—something humans were born to do—has achieved global recognition. Football may be the first sport, but running is the second.
Marathon is more than just a race—it’s a container for health, weight loss, self-expression, and even an investment in well-being. It’s also a way to connect with the world. But beyond that, the explosive popularity of marathons in China reflects a dance between urban white-collar workers and city governments. Behind this trend lies complex shifts in social values and relationships. For a city, while the cost of hosting a marathon might be around 10 million yuan, the government typically covers only the expenses for security, traffic control, and medical services. The rest is handled by contractors. With large-scale media coverage, it becomes a low-cost form of urban branding and tourism promotion, while also promoting national fitness.
On the other side of this dance are the white-collar workers. They live lives of routine, trapped in crowded commutes and congested streets, moving from office to home, from one tiny box to another. The concrete jungle is their cage. Is the city like a zoo? Do they want to escape? At least, do they want to breathe on a weekend?
Marathons can’t solve life’s mysteries, but they offer a chance to engage with society differently. On the 42.195 kilometers, there are no cars, just the flame of self-liberation. Characters like Sun Dasheng, Pig, Transformers, Spider-Man, Iron Man, and Red Guards appear in playful costumes, reflecting the humor and irony of urban life. The marathon is essentially a grand performance by white-collar workers, almost unrelated to competitive athletics.
In 2014, nearly a million people ran marathons, with only 75,000 finishing in under six hours (compared to 540,000 in the U.S.). Most runners were there for the experience, not speed. Some, however, are serious athletes—white-collar writers like Liu Zhenyun, artists such as Sun Nan and Sha Baoliang, and entrepreneurs like Yu Liang and Pan Shiyi. They either explore the world with their feet, gather spiritual energy, or showcase leadership. But these are just highlights. Many runners are ordinary people who run for personal space and freedom. The idea of multiple shares is left behind on the 42.195K track, but white-collar workers remain the core of China’s marathon culture.
White-collar workers also drive a massive consumer market for running. Equipment is seen as a symbol of status. A typical runner spends around 1,000 yuan on shoes, 1,000 on glasses, 2,000 on compression gear, and 2,000 on a watch. This adds up to a decent lifestyle. “Runner’s World†once estimated the cost of running in the U.S. at $14,358, $56,942, and $212,872. In China, the numbers are 14,100 yuan, 243,000 yuan, and 1,101,900 yuan. White-collar workers fall somewhere in between. With the sports industry projected to reach 5 trillion yuan by 2025, they are the main drivers of consumption.
Beyond the spectacle, the marathon spirit also attracts thoughtful white-collar workers. Using their feet to measure the earth, 42.195K helps eliminate doubts and uncertainties. While not every runner writes a bestseller, many find clarity in difficult moments. It’s a philosophical game between old self and new self. Running burns away boredom, sensitivity, depression, and anxiety, offering a kind of spiritual renewal.
Deeper still, running serves as a tool for identity and confidence-building. It starts with fitness, but gradually influences behavior and thinking, becoming a new lifestyle. It doesn’t require applause from others—it’s about challenging oneself. The 42.195K journey is full of effort, loneliness, and perseverance. When you cross the finish line, you’ll remember it forever, and even yourself will be moved by it. At its core, running is a spiritual practice.
Although white-collar workers have fueled hundreds of marathons in China, they still make up only a small portion of the population. The Chinese marathon is still in its early stages. Comparing it to Taiwan, which has a population of over 20 million and 300 annual road races, the mainland lags behind. But with a population of 1.3 billion, it’s only a matter of time before marathons explode. Within three years, the mainland could surpass 100 races and 2 million participants.
Many fear marathons, but on a technical level, a normal person can complete it within six hours after 4–5 months of training. The key is consistency—run two or three times a week, covering 6–10 km each time. Sudden death is rare, occurring in about one in 100,000 cases, often due to pre-existing heart conditions. To stay safe, it’s wise to get a heart check-up before starting.
In conclusion, if you're still lazy on the couch, you might be falling behind the times. But if you start running now, you might just be part of the next big wave. The future belongs to those who move forward.
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