Marathon organizers always face a problem: how to close the race route without disrupting residents' daily routines. For this year's Qingyuan Marathon held on March 15, which attracted over 20,000 runners, a pedestrian management system now known as the "pendulum crossing" has drawn praise from China's Foreign Ministry and been widely shared on social media overseas.
On March 17, Mao Ning, spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry, posted a video of the system on social media "X," describing it as a model of "people-centered smart city management."
Instead of sealing off the entire marathon route, authorities set up three designated crossing points at key intersections. Barriers were used to create waiting areas. When gaps appeared in the flow of runners, traffic control staff briefly halted the race in one direction and guided waiting pedestrians across. The process was then repeated in the opposite direction.
The marathon itself proceeded without major incident. The approach allows runners to pass without disruption while giving residents opportunities to cross at regular intervals. It avoids prolonged road closures that can isolate neighborhoods during major events.
Some social media users suggested other race organizers consider adopting similar methods. For local authorities in Qingyuan, a city in Guangdong province, the marathon's traffic management highlighted the need for a broader approach. Instead of blanket restrictions during large events, officials opted for a system that adjusts to conditions in real time.
Author: Feng Huiting
Photo & Video from Mao Ning's X account
