International claim too often rings hollow

AN INCREASING NUMBER of Chinese cities are hosting what they call international marathons. For these events to prosper, the organizers and sponsors need to think beyond commercial promotions and publicity stunts. Sznews.com said on Wednesday:

The number of Chinese cities hosting international marathon events is on the rise as more Chinese develop a taste for long-distance running as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Local governments also like to host marathons as they view it as an ideal opportunity to make their cities internationally known, which explains why many marathon events have the term "international" in their names.