Staging Mass Participation Marathons in Heritage Tourism Destinations: Seeing Through the Eyes of Distance Runners

Marathon organizers leveraging World Heritage sites as a unique selling point must prioritize operational quality and community engagement to enhance the value proposition for runners. A study analyzing feedback from 530 participants in the Himeji Castle Marathon and Mt. Fuji Marathon revealed that while heritage status is pivotal, operational efficiency and social interactions significantly influence the co-creation of value during such events. This insight underscores the need for organizers to integrate local businesses and residents more actively to foster a richer experience, balancing heritage appeal with practical and social dimensions.

Chen, C.-K. (2016). Staging Mass Participation Marathons in Heritage Tourism Destinations: Seeing Through the Eyes of Distance Runners. Journal of Tourismology, 2(2). https://doi.org/10.26650/jot.2016.2.2.0001