Social Running: The New ‘City Run’ Trend Boosting China’s Economy and Community Connections

　　chinanews.comHefei, November 12: Social running has become a new “City Run” trend that is driving the economic rise of running.

Author Zhang Jun Zhu Kongyang

“Did you do a PB today?” This is a phrase that Yu Wenhua who loves to run says now. “PB” is the abbreviation of “Personal Best” in English, which refers to the runner’s best personal result to date. Running is becoming a popular sport among Chinese people and an increasingly popular means of socializing, driving the development of many industries such as tourism and sports.

Wu Xue from Taiwan loves to run. She sees running not as a solitary sport but as a way of socializing. “I have participated in the Huangshan Marathon for two consecutive years. Every time I participate in the event, I make many friends on the mainland.”

On November 10, the 2024 Huangshan Marathon began at the foot of Huangshan Mountain. The theme of this marathon is “Huangshan Run with guests from all over the world” and there are three events: marathon, half marathon and healthy running. Photo by Fan Chengzhu

The social nature of running also brings new business opportunities to running communities, running tourism and other service industries. “I enjoyed eating bamboo shoots when I was in Taiwan, and this time I came to Huangshan to taste Huizhou dishes such as roast pork with bamboo shoots, and I felt very satisfied, but I enjoyed Huangshan views her too. The beautiful scenery and running became her window to understand the mainland.

The author’s research found that so far, the theme “Running Check-in” on the Douyin platform has been played 2.56 billion times, and the theme “Marathon” has been played 40.5 billion times.

“Running is more important than a social activity. By running, you will find like-minded friends and feel a sense of belonging to the group. ” Said Wang Yunfei, an associate professor at Anhui University’s School of Social Affairs and Political Science. , such as Frisbee, cycling and other fitness sports, various running groups The establishment of groups such as , running clubs and other groups has gradually expanded the size of the group of running enthusiasts.

Taking Anhui as an example, before mid-November, Hefei, Ma’anshan, Huangshan, Fuyang, Bengbu and other places in Anhui have organized marathons, fitness runs, parent-child runs and other running activities. Organizers from different places connect the iconic places of the city through route planning.

On November 10, the 2024 Huangshan Marathon began at the foot of Huangshan Mountain. The theme of this marathon is “Huangshan Run with guests from all over the world” and there are three events: marathon, half marathon and healthy running. Photo by Liu Honghe

In the 2024 Huangshan Marathon, the locally launched landscape route connects Huangshan Mountain, ancient villages, Taiping Lake and other iconic classic scenic spots There are 7 “cultural gas stations” the way to display Huizhou dragon dance, Xuanfeng Kui and so on. . Drums and other traditional cultural forms with local characteristics. Wang Yunfei said that this combination of “running + cultural tourism” nourishes the brand culture of the city, while driving the consumption of the attractions, hotels, B&B, supermarkets and restaurants , which could create large and widespread benefits.

The rise in running has also driven the development of sports equipment, sports training and other related industries. Zhu Hong, who is engaged in the sale of sports goods, said that from simple running equipment to high-end technology products, the popularity of running has also boosted the demand for professional sports equipment, multi-tasking has become a hot commodity for buyers, among which is a higher consumer demand for wearable products. “Sales of running equipment make up over 30% of sports equipment sales. ” Zhu Hong said.

Wang Yunfei said that running has become a bond between people and strengthened their sense of belonging. Running enthusiasts must also follow scientific guidelines and health protection when participating in the sport of running. (over)