Recent marathons in China have come under scrutiny following operational missteps that marred the experiences of participants and spectators alike. The Chinese Athletics Association (CAA) has brought these issues to light following an in-depth review of two major events, the Dalian Marathon and the Qingdao Bay Bridge Marathon, both of which took place on October 15, 2023.
During the 33rd Dalian Marathon, a race vehicle veered off course as it neared the final stretch of the men’s competition. This not only caused the frontrunners to unexpectedly halt but also created a significant disturbance to the race’s flow and the overall experience of the athletes. Such an interruption not only halted the momentum of the race but also sparked widespread discussion due to its negative social ramifications.
The CAA, referencing the “CAA Road Running Event Management Measures,” has directed the event’s organizing committee to deliver a comprehensive report detailing corrective measures. This report is to be submitted by November 13, after the committee convenes with the officials and the event’s executing firm, Zhimei Sports Culture (Zhejiang) Co, Ltd., to discuss the incident and ensure improved management in the future.
Similarly, the Qingdao Bay Bridge Marathon faced its own set of challenges. The event, which had garnered substantial interest and was sold out within 20 minutes of registration going live, was later criticized for its execution. Problems arose two hours into the marathon, with participants encountering bottlenecks and congestion, leading to confusion and chaos on the course. These organizational lapses were attributed to poor planning and coordination by the operating company, alongside a generally chaotic event structure.
As a result of these findings, the CAA has withdrawn the Qingdao Bay Bridge Marathon Organizing Committee’s privilege to register for a CAA-certified event in the upcoming 2024 season. They have also been tasked with producing a written rectification plan by the same November 13 deadline.
The backlash from these incidents was amplified by the high expectations set for the Qingdao marathon. Following the race, the internet was awash with complaints about various logistical shortcomings, including inadequate provision of runner amenities. The organizing committee of the event responded to these complaints by issuing an apology and offering to ship finisher medals and clothing to participants who did not receive them on race day.
The burgeoning interest in marathons in China had been on an upward trend before the pandemic. This enthusiasm was evidenced in 2018 with 278 approved marathon events, which grew to 330 in 2019. Despite the setbacks faced by mass participation events during the COVID-19 crisis, 2023 has seen a resurgence of interest, with the CAA reporting a robust schedule of 133 road races in the first half of the year alone. This enthusiasm is indicative of the country’s commitment to both the sport and the organization of large-scale public events.
October 29 marked a notable date in China’s marathon calendar, with six races taking place simultaneously across various capital cities, including Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Changsha, Jinan, and Zhengzhou. This event showcased the continued passion for marathons in the country and the commitment to rectifying past mistakes to ensure the quality and success of future events.
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