Running the Dalian Marathon this year felt oddly familiar, bringing back memories of competing in the Nanshan Half Marathon in Shenzhen. It was like a stripped-down version of that race, which makes sense since China Resources Culture and Sports, the operator behind Nanshan Half, took over the Dalian Marathon.
Following the infamous car incident during the 2023 edition, the Dalian Marathon found itself in troubled waters. A race with over 30 years of history suddenly faced intense scrutiny, and the damage to its reputation was severe. Before 2014, the race was locally managed, like many events in China’s early marathon scene.
The entry of commercial operators like Smart Sport in 2014 brought a new era to Chinese marathon management. Smart Sport won the Dalian Marathon contract in 2023, but the company’s decline was already underway. The race’s challenging bidding conditions made it hard to attract other bidders, and Smart Sport’s involvement seemed like a last-minute solution.
However, the 2023 vehicle breakdown not only altered Smart Sport’s fate but also reshaped the trajectory of Chinese marathon operations. In mid-2024, China Resources Culture and Sports, eager to expand into marathon operations, secured a three-year contract for the Dalian Marathon, marking a turning point.
Competition Landscape
2024 became a fresh start for China Resources in marathon management. The Nanshan Half Marathon, known for its resilience during the pandemic and high-quality event bags, built a strong reputation in Guangdong province. The company learned the ropes from 2015 onward, partnering with local governments to enhance the event.
By 2019, the Nanshan Half Marathon had gained momentum despite earlier challenges, such as the course-cutting incident. The pandemic years saw Nanshan Half remain one of the most consistent events in Guangdong. In 2024, China Resources even took over the Dapeng New Year Marathon, their first full-marathon operation, which turned out to be the race’s final edition.
Replicating Success
For the Dalian Marathon, China Resources partnered with Shanpao Sports, an experienced race operator, before taking sole control by 2026. This move tested their capabilities, but the company had been building a stable operations team and improving competition management, as evidenced by the 2025 Nanshan Half.
The 2026 Dalian Marathon thus carried a strong Nanshan Half signature, though with different investment and resource levels. It proved that China Resources could manage a large-scale marathon like Dalian’s. For successful operators, replicating proven methods while adapting to local characteristics is key, and Dalian’s similarities to Shenzhen made the transition smoother.
The last three years have seen the Dalian Marathon stabilize and improve under China Resources’ steady hand. The company’s focus on consistency, along with less pressure to generate profits from marathon operations due to other profitable business segments, has favored high-quality event delivery. As the next bidding cycle approaches, it seems likely Dalian will continue with China Resources.
In an era where Chinese marathon events are shifting from growth to maintenance, few new operators are emerging. By proving itself through this year’s Dalian Marathon, China Resources has joined the ranks of the country’s top marathon operators, positioning itself for future opportunities that could further its experience, brand value, and the industry’s overall quality.
