The participation of Kunming mayor Liu Jiachen in a recent marathon has sparked a surprising trend on social media, captivating the public's attention and shifting perceptions of politicians.

The mayor of Kunming, Yunnan province, ran a full marathon in late December with a time of 3 hours, 47 minutes and 48 seconds — a big improvement over a previous run in March, which he took more than five hours to finish.

Liu's remarkable achievement of completing the marathon in an impressive time has sent ripples through online platforms, with the hashtag "KunmingMayorMarathon-Runner" gaining popularity and garnering over a million views on Sina Weibo alone.

Social media buzzed with admiration and surprise, as the public discovered a previously unseen side of the mayor's character, and praise by other runners for his recent achievement followed quickly.

"I have witnessed his transformation from a somewhat unsteady running posture to a swift and agile elite runner," said Chen Wei, an experienced runner in Yunnan. "He has achieved remarkable results in weight loss and fitness."

The mayor leads by example, Chen added, drawing attention to the importance of exercise and encouraging members of the public to prioritize their health.

Despite his busy work schedule, Liu always finds time to run, driven by a passion for the sport.

"He trains with other marathon runners often for more than two hours at a time, as he views running as a lifestyle," Chen said.

A number of government officials and Party leaders have taken up running, as marathons have become popular events in many cities in recent years.

In a marathon in Xiamen, Fujian province, on Sunday, Yao Fei, vice-mayor of Quanzhou, finished a full marathon in 3:38:51. Ge Changwei, then-Party chief of Qingyuan, Guangdong province, finished a marathon in 2018; and Dai Yuan, Party chief of Yancheng, Jiangsu province, finished one in 2020.

The significance of finishing looms large in the marathon world. Races are particularly grueling at the end and take a heavy toll on runners, many of whom drop out early. Only the most determined make it across the line.

One of Liu's running companions, Zi Hong, a veteran runner from Yunnan with more than a decade of marathon experience, said the mayor's enthusiasm is well-known locally.

"He has been involved consistently in long-distance running. For example, he typically participates in the Kunming Plateau Marathon," Zi said.

Liu's sudden surge in fame caught him off guard, as he typically prefers to maintain a low profile. But his presence in marathons is one of the best ways to publicize the sport, Zi said. Liu didn't respond to a request for an interview. "I hope that more people will pay attention to marathon running and start running themselves and eventually become enthusiasts," Zi said.

Yan Xiong, dean of the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management at Yunnan University of Finance and Economics, noted the positive influence of the mayor's pastime.

"When we see a mayor able to complete a full marathon, running together with hundreds of fellow runners, it undoubtedly makes mass sporting events more relatable and appealing," Yan said.

More people will then pay attention to their own physical health, Yan said, adding that the fitness of government officials plays a crucial role in their ability to fulfill their responsibilities and lead others. Marathons pose challenges that require participants with exceptional endurance and willpower.

"By setting an example, government officials and Party leaders' participation in marathons and other sports has not only helped promote the development of local cultural tourism and sports industries but allowed more people to appreciate sports and get involved," he said.