Sanya Marathon draws 14,000 runners from 19 countries and regions

The marathon is a China Athletics Association "Gold Label" race and one of Hainan's five major sporting events. "Its growth demonstrates our commitment to integrating culture, sports, and tourism to enhance international influence," said Wu Fan from the mass sports division of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television, and Sports of Hainan Province.

The event also builds momentum for the Sixth Asian Beach Games, which Sanya will host next April. "We hope to use this event to promote the integration of sports, tourism and culture in Sanya," said Xie Yifa, deputy secretary-general of the Sanya government.

The event partner Orange Lion Sports utilized Alibaba ecosystem resources, including Taobao and Amap, to extend the event's reach and attract runners. "This helps unlock sports consumption potential," said Yang Yong, the company's general manager of events and commercialization.