Marathon: China sent runners of all ages, regions to NY

While runners can sign up for the race on their own, the application process is highly competitive — the acceptance rate this year was below 15 percent.

ITOs, on the other hand, are granted a number of guaranteed entries. Ameriasia Sports Travel offers packages beginning at 6,000 yuan that include a guaranteed entry. Since 2015, it has brought hundreds of Chinese runners to the race. This year, it brought 120 in.

"That's a very diverse group of Chinese runners, from people in their 30s to those in their 50s," said Shea, "and they come from all over the country."

The prospering market is supported by a growing number of marathon enthusiasts in China, many of whom belong to the rising middle class that is more and more concerned about their quality of life and health, according to Shea.

Nie Jie, a 32-year-old runner from Shenzhen who was here for her 10th marathon, has joined dozens of WeChat groups full of passionate marathoners.

"There is really an ongoing 'marathon fever' in China, especially in such a young and energetic city as Shenzhen," said Nie.

"We spontaneously got into groups to encourage each other, share tips and experiences, and spread marathon-related news and information," Nie told China Daily.

With such an increasing number of Chinese runners, the marathon is becoming a chance to tell the "China story", said Li.

"That's why I decided to hold the national flag while I was running," he said, "to show the spirit of the Chinese people — we are representatives of our country and culture now."

In that way, the marathon is a good way for cross-cultural communication, according to Li. When all runners are running toward the same objective, boundaries of language and culture are removed by the shared passion and determination; people achieve a mutual understanding.

"There were multiple times that the other runners and I were able to cheer each other on, though I could only speak in broken English," said Li.

"It's such a welcoming and outgoing community," said Liu Chuxin, 24-year-old PhD student in New York, of the runners' community in New York.

"Marathon running was what helped me overcome the loneliness and unfamiliarity I felt when I first moved to this foreign country," said Liu, who ran and also volunteered for this year's NYC Marathon.

"It helped me make friends, and people's love for the sport and support for each other go beyond nationality and race."

Contact the writer at nancykong@chinadailyusa.com