“跑”出经济新赛道

Core Insights - The recent "Super Weekend" marathon events in China saw nearly 60 marathons with approximately 500,000 participants, indicating a vibrant road running economy [1] - The China Athletics Association reported that in 2024, there will be a total of 749 road running events with a cumulative participation of 7.0486 million, an increase of 1 million from 2023 [1] - Major marathons in cities like Shanghai, Wuxi, and Wuhan have seen registration numbers exceeding 200,000, with the average direct economic benefit of top events reaching 419 million yuan [1] Supply Perspective - Despite the impressive number of events, there remains a demand for more marathons, especially for runners who do not secure spots in popular races [2] - The rise of alternative events such as health runs and fun runs reflects a growing interest in diverse running formats, indicating potential for growth in shorter distance events [2] - Some events still face regulatory gaps and service shortcomings, highlighting the need for improved management and operational standards [2] Demand Perspective - Running as a popular sport significantly boosts sectors like sports, culture, tourism, and trade exhibitions, showcasing its broad economic impact [2] - The sustained demand for road running events calls for more flexible event organization, such as the "one city, multiple races" model to better meet public interest [2] Industry Perspective - The current "supply and demand" scenario presents an opportunity for both quantity and quality improvements in the road running industry [3] - Enhancing service quality is crucial, as successful road running events are often recognized for their meticulous service, which in turn supports urban tourism and commerce [3] - Exploring "road running +" models can create synergies between sports consumption and everyday spending, such as hosting sports goods exhibitions alongside events to generate tourism and cultural engagement [3]