Foreigners merge mass participation sports events with China tourism

As the starting gun went off, the Tianjin Marathon 2026 got underway on Oct 25. Among the competitors was Japanese running enthusiast Himiko Izumi, who once again embarked on a marathon tourism journey in a new Chinese city.

"Running is just an excuse. Traveling is actually more important," Izumi said.

Based in Beijing, Izumi enjoys running in marathons across China in her spare time. During her trip to the Taiyuan Marathon in late September, she visited the Shanxi Museum to see an exhibition she had long wanted to explore. This time, she traveled to Tianjin and combined the marathon with sightseeing.

"Every time I compete in a different city, I see different scenery," she said. In Baotou, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, she explored the vast grasslands and local museums. During her trip for the race around Chagan Lake, she also cycled along the lakeshore.

In recent months, mass participation sports events, including marathons and trail-running races, have been held nationwide. More foreign participants are combining competition with travel, discovering the vitality of Chinese cities and their cultural appeal along the way.

According to data provided by the organizing committee of the Taiyuan Marathon 2026 in Shanxi province, nearly 100 foreign runners from 12 countries and regions participated, with the number increasing year by year.

At the Shanghai Marathon 2025, foreign runners accounted for more than 13 percent of participants. The number of international participants rose from 32 in 2024 to 585 in 2025, covering 26 countries and regions.

In Shanxi, marathons have also become a way for international students to venture beyond campus and gain a deeper understanding of local customs and culture.

In September, 18 students from Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Yemen, and Vietnam took part in a 10-kilometer running event in Shanxi's Anze county.

"Taking part in a marathon is a group trip for us. Before the race, we visited other places to explore new cultures and heritage sites and meet new people. These experiences are just as important as the competition itself," said Pakistani student Bilal Ahmad.

The experience extended well beyond the racecourse. During their visit, the students explored Xunzi Cultural Park, attended a Mid-Autumn Festival concert, watched Puzhou Opera performances and visited many historical sites.

Cheng Minduo, a professor at the School of Physical Education at Shanxi University, said the growing variety of mass participation sports events and organizational improvements were making them important gateways for foreigners to understand and experience China.

Unlike professional athletes, amateur runners often participate not only to challenge themselves and improve their health, but also to explore their host cities and experience local culture.

Zhang Xinda, executive chairman of the Linfen Athletics Association, attributed the growing enthusiasm among foreigners to improved event services, local governments' efforts to integrate sports, culture and tourism, and increasingly convenient arrangements for foreign visitors to China.