The Bank of China Beijing Marathon 2026 and the 2026 National Marathon Championships were held on Oct 18, with the men's champion setting a new course record of 2:03:10, the fastest marathon time ever recorded in China. 

BOC, as the title sponsor, provided comprehensive, multifaceted services to ensure the event went well, further promoting national fitness and supporting the development of the sports industry. 

The Bank of China Beijing Marathon 2026 and National Marathon Championship starts off at Tiananmen Square. 

A total of 32,000 professional and amateur runners set off together from Tiananmen Square, merging professional competition with public fitness on the same track. 

A total of 32,000 professional and amateur runners participate in the Bank of China Beijing Marathon 2026.

BOC's support along the Beijing Marathon 

Along the 42.195-kilometer course, BOC set up multiple "cheer stations" and established a fully equipped post-race service area. 

In front of BOC's headquarters at Xidan, some of its employees held banners, cheering for the runners passing by. At parks, metro stations, key sections of the course, and the finish-line sprint zone, BOC's cheerleading teams were on hand, conveying goodwill and energy to the runners with drumbeats and cheers. 

BOC employees hold banners, cheering for the runners passing by.

Upon crossing the finish line, runners could enter BOC's post-race service area, which included stretching zones and rest zones, offering services such as race bib lamination, self-service photography, themed photo ops, and DIY keychains and fridge magnets to cater to the runners' needs. In addition, BOC offered product consultations and handled banking transactions at the service desk and exhibition area, extending financial services to the race site.

After the race, the domestic women's champion for the Beijing Marathon 2026 and the National Marathon Championship women's champion, Tsering Tsom, visits the BOC service area to take photos at the check-in wall.

BOC's active role in sporting events

On Oct 11, the BOC Beijing Marathon 2026 10K Event kicked off at Longtan Zhonghu Park. Along the course, the "Run Together, Thrive Together" theme was prominently displayed, with BOC's dedicated cheerleading team and volunteers providing full support for the event.

From Oct 15 to 17, when the 2026 Beijing Marathon Expo was held, BOC's exhibition booth became a popular spot. Running enthusiasts inquired about and purchased officially licensed precious metal products for the 2026 Bank of China Beijing Marathon, and participated in financial knowledge quizzes and other activities.

BOC's exhibition booth at the 2026 Beijing Marathon Expo.

Financial support for national fitness

As the only bank in China to serve both the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics and the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics as the events' official partner, BOC has been working to enrich the "finance + sports" ecosystem, promoting high-quality development of the sports industry with diversified service initiatives.

BOC has rolled out a special service plan to direct more credit to key areas such as sports services, sports training, and sports equipment manufacturing, providing financing support for the operation and development of sports enterprises and key project construction. As of the end of September 2026, BOC's outstanding credit balance for the sports sector had increased by 24% from the beginning of the year. 

Focusing on major events for which it serves as title sponsor, including the Beijing Half Marathon, Wuhan Marathon, and Yangzhou Half Marathon, BOC has launched payment discount activities during peak consumption seasons to boost sports consumption. 

In support of major sports venue construction, BOC has provided credit support for major domestic sports venue projects such as the Fushun Longgang Mountain Snow Sports Center, a venue for the 15th National Winter Games, and the Qingdao Indoor Ski Resort, helping to improve sports infrastructure and enhance the capacity for major event hosting and public sports services. 

BOC is committed to providing high-quality financial services to meet people's growing sports needs, contributing to a better life and the advancement of Chinese modernization.