In the current prosperous marathon world, the Yangzhou Jianzhen Half Marathon can be regarded as a "senior". But many veteran runners also wonder why this event, which was founded in 2006, has always been a "half-horse"?

The reason why this historical and cultural city has always insisted on "the best is the best". Combined with the characteristics of the Grand Canal and leisure tourism, this Huai Zuo name is led by the "small but beautiful" and "small but special" event economy. Relying on the cultural heritage and urban temperament, the "slow economy" of sports and leisure tourism and health care has accelerated.

"Half-step" running can be "small and beautiful"

Fireworks are in Yangzhou in March. For many runners, the Yangzhou Jianzhen Half Marathon held at this season of each year is also on the list of "must-run marathons".

"Must-Run" is the first urban marathon in Jiangsu Province because of its picturesque scenery and beautiful city scenery. It is an excellent destination for running and playing. On the other hand, it is also because of the "Yangma" founded in 2006. It is the first urban marathon in Jiangsu Province. It was named the World Athletics Federation Golden Brief in 2012.

With such a senior and such a reputation, why not take advantage of the opportunity to upgrade to the entire Malaysian horse in the current marathon craze?

Yangzhou's answer is simple: half horse is more suitable. "Yangzhou's city is not large in scale and has limited carrying capacity. We still hope to maintain the original intention of the founding, not blindly follow the trend of "all horses". We also hope to achieve unique features and provide runners with the best service and experience." said Liu Liu, deputy mayor of Yangzhou.

Such "original intention" has led to the first event with only more than 900 people participating in it, attracting nearly 100,000 people to register in 2025, with more than 60% of players outside the Half Malay Province.

In the peak tourist season with the most beautiful scenery, using a track to connect important cultural landmarks in the city is Yangzhou's greatest sincerity to runners. From the Jianzhen in the event name to the intangible cultural heritage elements on the medal, from the banks of the Grand Canal to the Pingshan Hall, from the ancient city to the new city, the artistic conception of "Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, from ancient times to present" was passed down by word of mouth.

"It's so beautiful to visit the Grand Canal at night." Ms. Qin, who came to Yangma at the end of March, said, "Yangzhou was here a few years ago, but this time I have the urge to 're-purchase' again. I plan to register next year and check in for a few points I haven't gone to."

Ms. Qin’s new discovery is actually Yangma’s careful design. Sports set up a stage, culture, business and tourism sing operas, and in Yangzhou, a famous tourist city, has become a blood-filled logic of organizing competitions.

In 2025, the horse will generate direct economic benefits of 117 million yuan and indirectly drive economic benefits of 252 million yuan. In 2024, Yangzhou attracted more than 350,000 visitors from outside the city, driving consumption of more than 1.2 billion yuan. In April this year, Yangzhou was successfully selected as the list of pilot cities for promoting sports consumption and event economy by the General Administration of Sports.

"Water Article" writes out the gold content

Yangzhou, located at the intersection of rivers, has flourished because of the water. It has been prosperous since ancient times and has a long cultural heritage. Wang Yajing, director of Yangzhou Sports Bureau, said: "Yangzhou is the world's canal capital, the world's food capital, and the East Asian cultural capital. We closely combine sports events with the Sandu brand culture, package consumption content such as food, accommodation and entertainment into the event, and make a 'water article'."

"Water in the morning, water in the evening." Yangzhou people have another choice now - go to water exercise during the day.

The water conservancy cultural heritage of "Seven Rivers and Eight Islands" is located in the northeast of Yangzhou and is also a national wetland park. In recent years, by introducing rowing, paddle boards, sailing and other activities, this place is becoming a popular destination for outdoor and water sports in Yangzhou and surrounding areas. Xiao Zhang, a cyclist in Nanjing, said: "I have been to the group of cyclists. There are scenery everywhere, and I have all the food, drinks and fun. Now many cyclists choose to go for a weekend."

"Water articles" are not just on water.

Last year, the Grand Canal · Seven Rivers and Eight Islands Happy Luminous Run started several consecutive games, and the turnover of consumption venues in the competition increased significantly, an increase of 45% year-on-year. In late May, the 2025 Grand Canal City Tennis Open was held. It was not large in scale, but it had hidden "ambitions" - to create the "Grand Canal" event brand.

As an important node city of the Grand Canal, Yangzhou has 6 river sections and 10 heritage sites that have been listed as world cultural heritage sites. Wang Yajing said: "The Grand Canal is our city business card. We are now focusing on building the Grand Canal series. We have more than ten projects such as football, fencing, and urban orientation. In the name of Grand Canal City, we have invited the whole country."

"Water Articles" are of great value. Focusing on the advantages of Yangma brand, we will build road running events matrix such as Zaolinwan Half Marathon, Gaoyou Grand Canal Half Marathon, Happy Night Light Run; combining the characteristics of each district and county, we will launch "one county, one product" event brands such as Gaoyou bicycles and Xincheng Water Sports...

Wang Yajing said that events are a window of the city’s image and can attract more potential tourists and consumers. Their "long-tail effect" may not be reflected in economic data in the short term, but it is real.

"Slow Economy" accelerates

In the early morning, I had a Yangzhou morning tea at the Wanfu Bridge Tower. After dinner, I walked to the "Seven Rivers and Eight Islands". I could play kayaks and experience sailing. I could also choose City Ride (city cycling). When I was tired, I went to the ancient tofu shop to get a cup of soy milk and two sesame cakes...

Yangzhou is slow. From ancient times to the present, a leisurely temperament flows in the alleys and rivers of Yangzhou City. Nowadays, this leisure is more sporty. Wang Yajing said that many parks, scenic spots and complexes now unlock the pulling effect of sports, empowering traffic diversion by introducing sports events.

Walking into the provincial tourist resort of Zaolinwan, Yizheng City, the Hongshan Sports Resort Park is full of people. Children go to play real CS, adults go to "swim" off-road vehicles, those who like quietness can choose fishing, and those who experience wild fun can camp and barbecue... On the second day of this year's May Day holiday, the number of tourists in the park exceeded 10,000 in a single day.

Liu Changjin, secretary of the Party Working Committee of the Resort, said: "Green waters and green mountains are gold and silver mountains. We are based on the principle of the integrated development of agriculture, culture, sports and tourism. We should be integrated and integrated, and now we have truly formed a sustainable 'backed and surviving the mountains'."

The four RV camps in Chenji Town have become the second "home" for RV enthusiasts in other places, and many people live there for several months. The camp covers a total area of ​​70 acres, which can meet the needs of car enthusiasts for fitness, entertainment, gatherings, etc., and receives 7,000 people annually. "It's very comfortable here. We come to stay in spring every year." Aunt He and his wife from Sichuan set up the small camp very warmly and made friends in Yangzhou.

Whether it is the event economy, boosting consumption or the integrated development of culture, sports, tourism and commerce, it must be adapted to local conditions. It may not be big and complete. "Small but beautiful" and "Small but special" can also run quickly "half a step". Wang Yajing said: "No matter what project, the first thing we consider is whether it is suitable for Yangzhou's urban characteristics and overall development ideas."