Baotou marathon drives urban economy

Baotou successfully hosted the 2024 Baotou Marathon on June 10, receiving high praise and widespread acclaim from various sectors of society. The vibrant event also ignited the city's sports economy, establishing a platform for sports, cultural, and tourism exchange and cooperation.

Crowds gather at the marathon. [Photo/Baotou Evening News]

The marathon attracted nearly 30,000 runners from nine countries and regions, including Ethiopia, the United Kingdom, and Colombia.

National media outlets such as Xinhuanet, People's Daily Online, and China Sports Daily, along with regional media like Inner Mongolia Daily and local media like Baotou Daily, covered the marathon. The event garnered 40 million views and readings across various platforms, with the live online broadcast accumulating 1.96 million viewers and receiving 9.6 million likes.

During the marathon, 33 scenic spots, including the Wudangzhao Scenic Area and Nanhai Wetland Scenic Area, offered free entry to marathon participants. Additionally, 13 star-rated tourist hotels in the city provided discounts, offering a diverse array of consumption options for participants and visitors.

Leveraging the marathon's popularity, Baotou launched 64 cultural and tourism activities during the event, including concerts, fireworks shows, and dragon boat races.

A concert is held in the street during the marathon event. [Photo/Baotou Evening News]

Statistics show that during the marathon, the city received a total of 962,800 tourists, an increase of 9.74 percent year-on-year and generated 659 million yuan ($90.78 million) in tourism revenue, a year-on-year increase of 22.09 percent.