How Does Participation Affect Consumption Against the Background of Developing Event Economy?An Empirical Evidence from Road Race

Using the questionnaire data from the "2024 China Road Race Population Survey", this study examines the impact of participation behavior on road race consumption. The results indicate that the participation frequency, intensity and time investment significantly and positively influence the consumption levels. Group regression analysis yields the following findings: ① The effect of participation intensity on consumption varies among participants with different racing frequencies. ② Under different competition frequencies, the promoting effect of the time invested in competitions on road race consumption presents an "inverted U-shape". ③ Increased participation frequency has a more substantial effect on the consumption for marathon runners. ④ Increased time investment also effectively promotes the consumption among short-distance event participants. ⑤ Extending out-of-town race trips from two days to three can better stimulate events' economic potential. ⑥ The consumption potential of female, middle-aged, elderly, and less experienced runners requires further stimulation.