Rise of Racecation: The Economic Impact of Sanya Marathon

The Rise of Racecation: Exploring the Economic Impact of the Sanya Marathon

The Hainan (Sanya) Marathon, held on the last weekend of 2025, marked a significant milestone as the first A-class event certified by the China Athletics Association (CAA). Hosted at Hainan Free Trade Port (Hainan FTP), the marathon has demonstrated how large sporting events can catalyze economic growth in tourism, hospitality, and consumer spending. This exposition correlates the increase in post-marathon expenditure with the ripple effects of 'Racecation'—a burgeoning trend of combining races with vacation experiences.

A New Era for Sanya

The Hainan FTP is redefining how international events are organized in China. With streamlined visa access for citizens from 86 countries and enhanced air connectivity to 25 destinations in Asia and Europe, the marathon attracted a diverse group of participants. Hotel occupancy rates soared to a remarkable 92%, underscoring the event’s positive impact on local accommodations. Participant spending along the marathon route saw a significant boost, with commercial spending rising by approximately 35%.

Yang Yong, the general manager for events and marketing at Orange Lion Sports, the event's organizer, attributed the successful turnout to the innovative use of resources from Alibaba’s ecosystem. Initiatives including Taobao, Fliggy, Alibaba Health, Ant Chain, and Amap provided essential support in outreach and logistics, ensuring a seamless experience for both national and international runners.

Economic Benefits and Enhanced Accessibility

One of the noteworthy features of the Hainan FTP is its revised customs framework, which expanded the list of duty-free importable items from 1,900 to over 6,600. This regulatory shift primarily benefited the marathon by permitting the duty-free importation of various sports equipment and supplies. By minimizing import costs, organizers could reinvest those savings into improving race operations, enhancing runner services, and implementing effective marketing strategies. This has led to an overall elevation in the event's quality and appeal, attracting additional sponsors and partners.

Data from Fliggy indicated a sustained rise in hotel bookings post-event, demonstrating an ongoing interest in the region beyond the marathon weekend. The event coincided with the New Year and Spring Festival holidays, propelling consumer spending even further. According to Sanya's tourism bureau, the city welcomed approximately 650,800 visitors during the New Year holiday, generating about 1.299 billion RMB in tourism-related expenditures.

The Intersection of Sports and Tourism

The Hainan (Sanya) Marathon illustrates how major sporting events can simultaneously fuel tourism and bolster local businesses. Participants not only engage in the race but also explore the city's amenities, contributing to various sectors, from hospitality to retail. This duality has positioned the marathon as a focal point in promoting 'Racecation'—a trend where individuals travel for sporting events, effectively blending competition and leisure.

As cities strive to host significant events, the importance of strategic planning and utilizing local resources becomes evident. The successful execution of the Sanya Marathon against the backdrop of the Hainan FTP indicates a replicable model for other cities aiming to capitalize on the relationship between sports, tourism, and economic development.

Conclusion

The Sanya Marathon is more than just a race; it signifies a growing phenomenon in sports travel that has the potential to reshape how cities approach tourism and economic development. As more events like this emerge, the 'Racecation' model could redefine our understanding of travel, blending competition, and leisure in ways that nurture local economies and promote community engagement. The future looks bright for cities willing to embrace this trend and leverage their unique offerings in the realm of sports tourism, setting a new standard for global engagement in athletic events.