泛滥的中国马拉松，正式进入冷静期

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese marathon industry is entering a cooling period after a rapid expansion, with significant changes in event participation and organization expected in the near future [1][3][37]. Group 1: Industry Growth and Changes - The number of marathons in China surged from 39 in 2013 to 749 in 2024, with a peak of 43 events held on the same day in April 2023 [1]. - Recent rumors of a "new policy" regarding marathons have led to the cancellation or adjustment of numerous events, including major marathons in cities like Shanghai and Nanjing [3][9]. - The trend of excluding foreign elite runners from events has emerged, allowing domestic runners to dominate the podium [3][5]. Group 2: Economic Impact and Participation - The economic benefits of marathons are significant, with the Wuxi Marathon generating 505 million yuan in economic impact, a 78.2% increase year-on-year, and the Wuhan Marathon contributing 298 million yuan, up 40.2% [9][12]. - A large percentage of participants in marathons are non-local, with 60.68% of runners traveling from outside the host city, indicating substantial spending on travel and accommodation [12]. - Despite the economic benefits, many smaller marathons struggle financially, with costs ranging from 5 million to over 10 million yuan, often leading to losses without government subsidies [15][30]. Group 3: Social Dynamics and Participation - While marathons are often promoted as a means to encourage public fitness, they primarily serve as social events for a small group of enthusiasts, with only about 133.34 million participants in certified events compared to an estimated 118-139 million regular runners in China [21][22]. - The inconvenience caused to local residents during marathon events has led to growing discontent, as traffic disruptions and public disturbances become common [22][23]. Group 4: Future Directions and Quality Control - The current trend of reducing the number of marathons is seen as a positive step towards improving the quality of events rather than merely increasing quantity [35][37]. - There is a call for better management and organization of marathons, with a focus on enhancing participant experience and safety rather than simply attracting foreign competitors [35][37].