A sea of runners surges forward as the starting gun fires for the 2026 Wuxi Marathon in Wuxi's Binhu district, Jiangsu province, on Sunday. [Photo provided to CHINA DAILY]

The city of Wuxi, Jiangsu province, was abuzz on Sunday as 35,000 runners took to the streets for its annual marathon, drawing record participation and turning the spring sporting event into a driver of tourism and local consumption.

The Wuxi Marathon, widely known for its cherry blossom-lined route, saw participants race along a 42.195-kilometer route passing landmarks including Taihu Lake, Lihu Lake, Shangxian River Wetland Park and Jiangnan University. The event has been recognized by Runner's World magazine as one of "China's Most Beautiful Marathon Courses".

This year's race attracted 495,635 applicants, setting a new record for marathon registrations in China and across Asia, said Chen Yi, director of the Wuxi sports bureau, adding that more than 90 percent of registered runners traveled from outside the city, highlighting its growing national appeal.

Beyond competition, the marathon was designed as a citywide festival integrating sports, culture and consumption. Local businesses rolled out themed offerings, including cherry blossom-inspired xiaolongbao — or steamed buns.

Wuxi's time-honored restaurant Wangxingji adjusted the sweetness of its signature buns to better suit runners from different regions.

Zhao Huina, a runner from Beijing, completed her fourth consecutive Wuxi Marathon this year. "Since I started running in 2017, the Wuxi Marathon has been my annual spring appointment," she said, adding that she especially enjoys the scenic course during blossom season.

In the background, thousands of workers and volunteers ensured smooth operations. Yao Yao, an employee at a local auxiliary employment center for people with disabilities, said more than 30 workers spent five days hand-packing all 35,000 race kits and brochures.

Extensive logistical support was deployed. According to Shan Tingting, deputy director of the Wuxi municipal government office, more than 6,000 volunteers, 1,200 medical personnel and over 7,000 security workers were mobilized. The race was supported by 28 fixed medical stations, ambulances, rescue helicopters and 115 automated external defibrillators.

Sanitation teams restored the starting area within an hour after the race began, using coordinated human-machine operations, Shan said.

Law enforcement also employed advanced equipment, including police exoskeletons and anti-drone systems, while a robotic dog upgraded with new functions patrolled the route as a mobile monitoring unit.

Since its launch in 2014, the Wuxi Marathon has expanded from 15,000 to 35,000 participants, becoming one of China's leading road races, said Chen. She added that the event has helped set industry benchmarks in race organization and integration with urban development.

The marathon has also delivered tangible economic benefits. In 2025, the event drew 391,000 spectators and generated 505 million yuan ($73.3 million) in economic output, up 78.2 percent year-on-year, according to Chen.

To further stimulate consumption, this year's race introduced multiple rounds of participant incentives, including discounts on sports gear, hotel and dining vouchers, and housing-related benefits.

Organizers also sought to address common challenges associated with large-scale marathons, such as restroom shortages and congestion. Chen said Wuxi has adopted a "runner-centered" approach, including the installation of high-capacity trough-style urinals to improve efficiency at the starting area.

With its combination of scenic appeal, large-scale participation and integrated urban services, the Wuxi Marathon is increasingly seen as a model for how sporting events can support both city branding and economic growth.