Why more Chinese want to run a Marathon

Growing numbers of people enjoy running a marathon - but it's not all about finishing the race. Runners find many other sources of inspiration.

Andy Burfoot, a famous American Marathoner, has said: “I have learned that there is no failure in running or in life as long as you keep moving. It’s not about speed and gold medals. It’s about refusing to be stopped.” His words have encouraged many Chinese runners.

Lenovo group is the sole sponsor of the Beijing Marathon. Its Chief Marketing Officer, Wei Jianglei, is also a marathon fan and a runner. He runs at least two marathon events every year, and believes that while running is a sport, marathon is an attitude. Marathon is a platform on which to perform, to show yourself, and to rediscover yourself, and also a place to meet fellow “marathoners” and share your enjoyment with them.

Yu Jia, sports presenter and CCTV journalist, is a recent entrant to the ranks of marathon enthusiasts. After completing the Beijing Marathon and the Xiamen Marathon, he felt he had refreshed and rejuvenated his soul. ”As a sport journalist,” he says, “I cannot stand by and simply commentate, without ever taking part.”

Li Tie has made a breakthrough in Marathon running; Tang Tang steps out of her comfort zone and grows stronger through her Marathons; Xiao Ding has fun with his running mates and enjoys a true sense of accomplishment.

For health of body or for health of mind, whatever motivates people to run, this trend is sure to continue.

Marathon mania also brings the risk of injury

Injuries and sudden deaths happen during events. “With the growing marathon mania in China, we have an increase in the news of injuries to runners gearing up for marathons,” says Wu Min, former long-distance runner. “More Chinese runners are aware of the problem, but due to a lack of detailed sports knowledge, they don’t know how to stay safe when running.”

"It can cause serious problems if you stop immediately after completing a marathon," Wu adds. "I yelled at a runner who lay down on the ground straight after his run, but no one else cared."