By Gerald Mbanda
Participants compete during the Beijing Marathon 2025 in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin)
Sports have increasingly become a bridge connecting people, nations, and cultures across the globe. Among the various forms of cultural exchange, sports tourismhas emerged as a significant platform promoting understanding and friendship. The recent Beijing Marathon, which brought together more than 4,700 participants including athletes from several African countries, stands as a testament to how sporting events can strengthen ties between China and Africa’s youth.
This year’s marathon witnessed outstanding performances by Ethiopian and Kenyan athletes, who once again demonstrated their dominance in long-distance running. Their victories not only highlighted the athletic excellence of Africa but also underscored the growing spirit of cooperation and friendship between the two regions. The event went beyond competition, offering an avenue for cultural exchange, mutual learning, and people-to-people connection.
The Beijing Marathon has developed into one of Asia’s most recognized sporting events, attracting elite and amateur runners from around the world. For many participants, the race is not merely a test of physical endurance but also a celebration of global unity. As thousands of runners took to Beijing’s streets, they shared experiences, traditions, and values that transcend national boundaries. Through such shared moments, participants from China and Africa were able to foster deeper mutual understanding and respect.
Beyond the athletic achievements, the marathon was a vibrant display of cultural diversity. The event featured traditional Chinese performances and public celebrations that created an atmosphere of festivity and inclusion. African runners, in turn, contributed by sharing their own cultures through music, dance, and storytelling. Such interactions, though brief, serve as meaningful cultural exchanges that nurture friendship and strengthen interpersonal bonds between peoples of different nations.
Sports tourism has increasingly become an important element of China-Africa cooperation, complementing existing partnerships in trade, education, infrastructure, and technology. As a form of people-to-people diplomacy, sports tourism allows young people from both regions to interact directly, exchange ideas, and form long-lasting relationships. Running side by side, Chinese and African athletes learn not only about each other’s cultures but also about shared values such as perseverance, teamwork, and dedication to excellence.
The marathon experience also offered participants opportunities to explore Beijing’s rich history and culture. African athletes visited local landmarks and interacted with Chinese fans and volunteers, while local participants expressed admiration for the resilience and professionalism of their African counterparts. These interactions help dispel misconceptions, encourage mutual understanding, and promote an appreciation of diversity.
The broader context of the China-Africa partnershipreveals that sports have become a growing dimension of collaboration. China has contributed to the construction of sports infrastructure in various African countries and supported youth development programs aimed at nurturing athletic talent. In return, African athletes have shared their experience and skill, helping to enrich China’s sports culture and inspire its growing community of runners. The success of Ethiopian and Kenyan athletes in Beijing therefore symbolizes more than victory—it represents the spirit of friendship and global cooperation.
Sports tourism also brings tangible economic and social benefits. For host cities like Beijing, international events such as the marathon enhance tourism, support local businesses, and promote a positive global image. For African participants and their home countries, these events raise visibility and foster pride, while inspiring younger generations to embrace sports and healthy lifestyles. Moreover, international exposure allows athletes to build professional networks and access new opportunities that contribute to their personal and athletic growth.
Perhaps the greatest value of such events lies in their power to unite. At a time when the world faces multiple challenges, sports remain a universal language of peace, respect, and solidarity. When athletes from Nairobi, Addis Ababa, and Beijing stand together at the starting line, they embody a collective pursuit that transcends politics and geography. Their shared experience illustrates that cooperation, understanding, and friendship are built not only through dialogue but also through shared action and endurance.
The 2025 Beijing Marathon will be remembered not only for its athletic achievements but also for its contribution to global understanding. As the event concluded, what remained was not just a list of winners but a renewed spirit of unity between the youth of China and Africa. The marathon demonstrated how sports tourism can serve as a meaningful tool for diplomacy, fostering cooperation and building bridges across continents.
Through such initiatives, China and Africa continue to strengthen their relationship on a foundation of shared values, mutual respect, and friendship. The Beijing Marathon has shown that in the race toward global cooperation, sports can lead the way — one step, one connection, and one friendship at a time.
