Jeju Island showcased its beauty, and visitors actively expressed their desire to return, creating positive word-of-mouth—a lesson many local tourism bureaus should understand and learn from.
Perhaps only by systematically following an exercise regimen and actually participating in several marathon events can one truly appreciate what a wonderful way of traveling this is—especially when you find yourself in a place where the air is so pristine it feels like it could be compressed and “sold.” Recently, I was invited to join a travel experience tour themed around the Jeju International Peace Marathon in South Korea, and the experience left a deep impression on me.
One insight is that marathon tourism is a very healthy and rational lifestyle. Several Guangzhou Marathon runners who joined the trip are devoted enthusiasts of the sport—the youngest nearly 30 years old, the oldest over 50. They are not professional athletes, with full marathon finish times ranging from 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes. However, I observed that everyone was in excellent physical and mental condition, thoroughly enjoying themselves. To be honest, based on my own athletic experience, I wouldn’t recommend marathon running for everyone, as it does push beyond the normal physiological limits of the human body. Covering a distance of over 40 kilometers, or even the half marathon’s more than 21 kilometers, doesn’t fall within the traditional definition of “healthy exercise.” Sports experts suggest that a single long-distance run shouldn’t exceed 7.5 kilometers, otherwise there’s a risk of increased injuries—an instance of overdoing it. On the other hand, those who prepare to challenge a full marathon often transform from impulsive enthusiasts into rational participants. It’s truly not something one can take on impulsively.
Another insight is that marathon tourism holds significant potential. As people increasingly pursue a higher quality of life, more and more are participating in marathons, and these participants are travelers in their own right. Unless they’re in a particularly tight schedule, most runners tend to stay a few days after the race. It’s almost inevitable that those who love sports also enjoy exploring the outdoors. Take the Jeju International Peace Marathon, for example. After the race, with assistance from the local tourism bureau, participants had an additional three-day travel itinerary. They visited world natural heritage sites such as Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, hiked the Jeju Olle trails, savored authentic Jeju cuisine, and admired the exuberantly blooming camellias, cherry blossoms, and rapeseed flowers. Most of the Guangzhou runners were visiting Jeju for the first time, and after this experience, many expressed a strong liking for the island and plans to return with their families. It’s a subtle yet powerful form of tourism promotion. Jeju Island showcased its beauty, and visitors actively asked to return, generating positive word-of-mouth. This is something many tourism bureaus should understand and learn from.
A third insight is that marathon tourism must be built upon a foundation of excellent air quality. Nowadays, many cities and regions in China are keen on the “marathon effect,” but to be honest, their appeal is generally limited. Aside from professional athletes drawn by substantial prize money, most participants are more concerned about the local route environment. The marathon route on Jeju Island runs along the coastal road, with beautiful scenery and exceptionally clean, fresh air. One Guangzhou runner in his 50s said he was able to breathe deeply and fully open his lungs while running, feeling joyful and relaxed throughout, and ultimately achieved his personal best time ever. That evening, he couldn’t help but open a bottle of wine to celebrate. My personal experience was similar—back in Guangzhou, I usually only run 5 to 10 kilometers, often finding it strenuous, with frequent sneezing due to nasal irritation, constantly thinking, “The PM level is a bit high today, just finish the run and be done with it.” Before coming here, I hadn’t done any long-distance running training for two months, yet I managed to comfortably complete the 10-kilometer race in Jeju, followed by a 500-meter sprint, during which I even overtook several local Korean runners.