CCTV Sports Channel Resumes Live Streaming of Marathon Races, with 40% Price Increase

On October 26, according to the Runner’s Guild, as large-scale urban marathon races, including Wuxi Marathon, Shanghai Marathon, Chongqing Marathon and Guangzhou Marathon, officially announced their comeback, the Sports Channel of China Central Television (CCTV-5) has resumed relevant live streaming of marathon races, with CCTV Sports and Entertainment (CCTVSE) being responsible for signal production.

In 2019, 13 races of Run China Series in total were broadcasted by CCTV-5. Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, relevant live programs have been postponed after live broadcasting of Xiamen Marathon on January 5^th. It is reported that the broadcasting price after race resumption will increase by 40%.

During CCTV’s live steaming of marathon races under the exclusive agency of Wisdom Sports, the Run China Series was booming in 2018. However, due to the expiration of contract, as well as the scandal of flag delivery at the finish line in 2019, the series has finally been taken over by CCTVSE, owned by CCTV. Since 2020, the company has made certain adjustments of its leading group, in which Chen Chaoying and Wang Xiaodan, experienced professionals in advertisement and operation areas, are respectively designated as the chairman and general manager.