Chinese government to promote marathon running and cycling

Nine Chinese government departments have jointly released an announcement promoting mass participation sports events such as marathon running and cycling.

It is hoped that by the end of 2017, the Chinese government plans to increase the number of participants in marathon events to 5m, up from 2.8 m in 2016 thus bringing the total consumption for marathons to US$2.9 billion. In terms of cycling, it is also aiming to bring the same consumption rate to the cycling mass market.    

To achieve these goals, the General Administration of Sport, the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Transport will work out guidelines for hosting such mass participation sports events in order to improve the management and organisation of events and also provide better services for event organisers. Meanwhile, the People's Bank of China and the China Banking Regulatory Commission will provide event organisers with more financial support. The State Administration for Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television will help local TV stations broadcast such events to increase public awareness for these mass events.

Mass participation sports events such as marathon running has been booming in China in recent years. In 2016, the number of marathons in China increased sixfold to 328 compared to 51 marathons in 2014.

Source: Jiemian, Sohu

Proofread by Raymond Fitzpatrick