By Rui Hu, iChongqing News
2019 is the 9th anniversary of Chongqing International Marathon. It will also be the new starting point for this marathon. As an IAAF Gold Label Road Race and a double-gold standard of the Chinese marathon, the committee will focus on strengthening the concept of "service the runners" and pay more attention to safety and details, further improve service quality, and build Chongqing International Marathon as a brand with the "Run for Love" campaign. Stay tuned with iChongqing to explore the event on Mar. 31 2019, we will witness the race by our news coverage and we will on live that day.
Runners in Chongqing International Marathon 2018
History
Chongqing Marathon originated from the Nanbin Road 10,000 walking trail. On January 1, 2009, a mass marathon (7.195 km) was held on Nanbin Road. On May 1, 2010, the Invitational Half-marathon Road Race was successfully held. In order to promote the “Healthy Chongqing” campaign and met the national fitness boom. In June 2010, the Chongqing Municipal Sports Bureau and the Nan'an District People's Government proposed to get approval to organize Chongqing Marathon, incorporate the unified arrangement of the national marathon and confirm that Chongqing Marathon will be held every third weekend of March in Nanbin Road, Chongqing.
On March 19th, 2011, the first Chongqing Marathon was successfully held in Nanbin Road, Chongqing. More than 12,000 athletes signed up and attracted participators from more than 100 countries and regions such as Kenya and Malaysia. Moreover, the event was broadcasted live by the CCTV sports channel. The event was also highly recognized by the Municipal Government and the National Sports General Administration of Athletics Management Center and participating athletes.
The 2012 Chongqing International Marathon was successfully upgraded to an international level. It was hosted by the Chongqing Municipal People's Government and the China Athletics Association. More than 30,000 marathon runners and marathon athletes from all over the world gather in the scenic Nanbin Road with its promoting campaign "Happy Sports, Healthy Chongqing".
2012 Chongqing International Marathon by Shixian Hu
On March 23, 2013, Chongqing International Marathon kicked off with a male and female full marathon (42.195 km); a male and female half marathon (21.0975 km) and a 5 km mini marathon. For the 2013 competition, the organizing committee has increased entertainment value into the event and created a happy atmosphere such as couple marathon, parent-child marathon, team marathon, etc. The main purpose is to let the public experience the joy of the marathon. The champion of this marathon won a prize of 30,000 US dollars. The 2013 CCTV Sports Channel (CCTV-5) broadcasted live for 3 hours.
2013 Chongqing International Marathon
Influence
Despite of its long popularity, marathons have gotten popular in China only recently. This is especially true among the affluent Chinese people as China has been boasting rapid economic development over the decades.
Runners in the race
According to the organizers of the Chongqing International Marathon, the main force of the marathon runners are the middle class, namely the white-collar workers, civil servants and businessmen.
Running is considered as the most accessible, cheapest and easiest sport for ordinary people. And its toughest race is the marathon, which is a huge challenge to every participant both physically and mentally. The middle class in China is rapidly expanding and they are more than ever keen on leading a healthy lifestyle.
The audience were recording the champion pass the finish line
The marathon fever in China is also closely related to the local governments, according to Zhang Xin, deputy director of Chong Qing Sports Bureau, as most of them are held under the auspices of local governments, even as far as Lanzhou in the northwest Gansu province.
"As China is speeding up its urbanization in recent years, the municipal authorities are happy to have a sports event to further display and promote their cities," said Zhang.
Running has become a lifestyle
Due to its large participation and nationwide media coverage, marathons are considered by the local governments as an important carrier to enhance the images and influence of their cities.
Thus, many cities single out their unique routes across scenic spots and historical attractions, not only to boost the fitness for the people but also to promote their local tourism. And the bulging popularity of marathon also grips the attention of enterprises to promote their own brands and products (Xinhua Net, 2017).
Chongqing International Marathon's website: http://www.cqmarathon.com/e/index.aspx
Mini-Run of Chongqing International Marathon Starts in 30 Days
Chongqing International Marathon