The Temporal and Spatial Evolution of Marathons in China from 2010 to 2018

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the spatial distribution pattern and influencing factors of the Chinese marathon. Geographic Information System (GIS) related spatial analysis tools were used to calculate the following-averaged nearest neighbor index, nuclear density analysis and hot spot analysis among others. The spatial distribution evolution characteristics and the influencing factors of eighteen Chinese marathon events in 2010, 129 in 2015 and 342 in 2018 were analyzed. The results show that (a) in 2010 the nearest neighbor ratio was 1.164714, Moran's I was −0.010165 (type: Random), in 2015 it was 0.502146, Moran's I was 0.066267 (type: Clustered) and in 2018 it was 0.531149 and Moran's I was 0.083485 (type: Clustered); (b) in 2010 there was a 333.6 km search radius; the core circle of the Yangtze River Delta was adopted. In 2015 and 2018, a search radius of 556 km was adopted, which was respectively obtained from the core circle of the Yangtze River Delta, the core circle of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and the core circle of East China; (c) according to the Z-value data, East China and North China in 2015 passed 95% confidence in five provinces and municipal hot spots, passed 90% confidence in three hot spots and passed 95% confidence in Chongqing Cold Point. In 2018, East China, North China, Central Region and eight other provinces and cities' hot spots passed 95% confidence, four hot spots passed 90% confidence, the Tibet Autonomous Region cold spot passed 90% confidence. Conclusion: The overall distribution of marathon events is greater in the eastern region than the western region, greater in the southern region than the northern region and greater in coastal regions than the inland regions; the nuclear density distribution has spread from the Yangtze River Delta mononuclear circle in 2010 to the core circle of the entire East China region. Moreover, it spread to North China, Central China and South China; the distribution of hot spots spread from Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang to the entire North China and East China regions. During the past thirty-eight years of development of the Chinese marathon, it has been divided into three stages due to different political, economic and social environments.

An Analysis of Participation and Performance of 2067 100-km Ultra-Marathons Worldwide

“…Similar results can be shown in shorter 80-km ultra-marathons, where a decrease of performance gap began in 1985 [14]. In an analysis of ultra-marathons of varying lengths, women were also able to reduce the performance gap to men in 6, 72, 144, and 240 h races since 1975 [15], in 24 h races since 1998 [11], and over all decades in 50-km ultra-marathons worldwide [25].…”

“…This decline of participants in particular single events could be a result of an increasing number of events. An increase in events could also be shown in other long-distance events such as the marathons in China [25]. In our study, such a strong increase of 100-km ultra-marathon events could be demonstrated, especially in the last decade from 2010 to 2019.…”

The Natural Environmental Factors Influencing the Spatial Distribution of Marathon Event: A Case Study from China

“…Future research can also explore the impact of China's cultural environment on the holding of marathon events. From 2010 to 2018, the spatial distribution of marathon events in China can be found that, in addition to natural environmental resources, the cultural environment (population, policy, economy) also has a great impact on the holding of marathon events [62]. At the same time, the research ideas can also be applied to other countries, or even the world's famous marathon distribution research, and extend the findings from the present study.…”

“…After the Chinese government streamlined the administration of sports events, cities no longer need national approval to host marathons, and more cities have the freedom of choice to host marathons [62]. But after those lousy marathons, more cities may need to hold back.…”

Spatial Distribution Pattern and Influencing Factors of Sports Tourism Resources in China

“…Zuo et al took the lead in exploring the spatial distribution characteristics of Chinese marathon events. The size of urban populations; living standards; and the overall quality of urban residents (including the concept of sports and leisure), the social environment, and other social mechanism factors affect the spatial distribution of marathon events [7]. Additionally, the spatial distribution characteristics of Chinese marathon events are investigated based on the perspective of natural resources [8].…”