Growing number of Chinese runners flock to marathons hosted by Hokkaido

Runners prepare for the "JAL International Marathon." [Photo: Xinhua]

Each year from May to October, Japan's northern main island of Hokkaido hosts more than 29 marathons, attracting around 90,000 runners from Japan and elsewhere. Of the estimated 3,000 overseas runners, around 70% of them are from China.

This year's "JAL International Marathon" on June 4, 2017. [Photo: Xinhua]

This year's "JAL International Marathon" on June 4, 2017, included 249 Chinese runners.

There have been a growing number of Chinese runners joining Hokkaido marathons since 2014, reports the Global Times.

It's estimated Chinese runners add around 50 million yuan to Hokkaido's economy through their travel to annual marathons.

The estimated 3,000 overseas runners, around 70% of them are from China. [Photo: Xinhua]

Japan Airlines has entered into a partnership with Chinese travel agencies to provide "marathon-theme" travel products to attract more Chinese runners.