Safety first

Safety has become a central focus under the new rules. Organizers are required to strengthen risk management, while runners are encouraged to adopt a more measured approach and prioritize completion over performance.

Under the new entry thresholds, full marathon participants are generally required to be at least 20 years old, and some events ask runners to provide proof of prior race experience, such as one full marathon or two half marathons completed within the past two years. Half-marathon entrants may also need certified results from at least two races of 10 kilometers or longer.

"Raising the bar is about protecting runners' lives," Zhang Hua noted. "For amateur runners, the purpose of running a marathon is keeping fit, not blindly chasing personal bests or pushing limits."

Speaking of the new policies, veteran runner Chen Weixin said:"These rules offer necessary protection to beginners."

The 56-year-old recalled collapsing during his first marathon a decade ago due to a lack of proper training.

"I fainted during the race and was transferred to hospital for emergency treatment," he said. "Without proper training, beginners are at high risk of accidents. Stricter rules can push participants to take the sport more seriously."

New phase

Industry observers say the new framework marks the transition of China's marathon boom from rapid expansion to more structured growth.

Top-tier races remain powerful economic drivers. The Wuxi Marathon attracted more than 90 percent of its participants from outside the city, generating an estimated 510 million yuan ($73.7 million) in spending across tourism, hospitality and transportation.

"Reducing quantity is about breaking the cycle of low-quality, repetitive events," said Wang Xiangfei, a professor at Wuhan Sports University.

"Poorly organized races and low-standard participation would ultimately harm the entire industry."

Meanwhile, opportunities are emerging for smaller and more specialized events. Shorter-distance races, once bundled into major marathon events, are now being separated and encouraged as standalone competitions, a move aimed at better matching supply with different levels of demand.

In Wuxi, the Yangshan Half Marathon, known for its peach blossoms, has been restructured into an elite 10k race, but still maintaining high certification standards. Organizers said the shift allowed them to refine the event while continuing to promote local tourism.

"I believe more people will take part in road running events in a safer manner in the future. Meanwhile, better regulated road races will also better showcase Chinese cities on the global stage," Zhang Hua said.