Sports and Tourism Merge in Sanya as 2025 Marathon Wraps Up Along Scenic Coast

The 7th Hainan (Sanya) Marathon wrapped up in late December 2025, and it was much more than just a race — it was a showcase of how sports, tourism, and culture can merge to create a unique global event.

Race Highlights
- Scale: 14,000 participants from 20 countries and regions.
- Winners:
- Women’s full marathon: Yang Yuan (China) – 2:50:11
- Men’s full marathon: Zhao Guohu (China) – 2:23:21
- Course: Flat terrain along Sanya’s scenic tropical coastline, ideal for strong performances.

Cultural Integration
- Aid Stations Reimagined: Not just water stops — they became Cultural Tourism Experience Stations.
- Traditional crafts and folk arts
- Li and Miao ethnic song and dance
- Tastings of local cuisine
- Interactive culture-focused activities
- This gave runners and spectators a deeper connection to Sanya’s local character.

Tourism & Services
- Coordinated packages included:
- Discounted hotel rates with late checkout
- Reduced airfare offers
- Duty-free shopping perks
- Sightseeing and shopping were integrated into the marathon experience.

Digital Innovation
- Blockchain-based commemorative medals via Alipay
- Virtual races hosted on Alipay, DingTalk, and Amap for remote participation
- Event leveraged Alibaba’s ecosystem (Taobao, Fliggy, Ant Chain, etc.) to broaden reach.

Economic Impact
- Since early 2024, Hainan has hosted 700+ sporting events, drawing 4 million spectators and generating 7+ billion yuan in consumer spending.
- The Sanya Marathon continues to drive local economy through sport-tourism integration.

✨ In short: The Sanya Marathon wasn’t just about running — it was about immersing participants in culture, boosting tourism, and showcasing Hainan as a global sports destination.