The award ceremony for top three players from Kenya [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Players receive professional medical services after completing the marathon. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The 2018 Hangzhou Marathon opened in Huanglong Sports Center at 7:30 am on Nov 4.

Jointly held by Chinese Athletic Association, Sports Bureau of Zhejiang province and Hangzhou Municipal Government, this year's marathon attracted 35,000 players from 48 countries. With the first marathon held in 1987, the event has gone through a journey of 32 years as one of the oldest marathons held in China.

Five kinds of events were available during the event, including Men's and Women's Full Marathon (42.195 km), Men's and Women's Half Marathon (21.0975 km), Men's and Women's Mini Marathon (7 km), Couple Run (4.5 km) and Family Run (1.2 km).

Specifically, players who ran the full marathon—with the most beautiful racing track, firstly passed by West Lake, then came to the south bank of Qiantang River, finally ran back to Huanglong Sports Center after crossing Qiantang River Bridge and the other side of West Lake.

Michael Njenga Kunyuga from Kenya won the first prize in men's full marathon with a time of 2 hours 10 minutes and 37 seconds. Hirut Tibebu Damte from Ethiopia won the women's first place in 2 hours 25 minutes 10 seconds.

Dion Finocchiaro from Australia shows his medal after the marathon. [Photo by Wang Juan /chinadaily.com.cn]

Dion Finocchiaro from Australia, said that this was the first time he participated in the Hangzhou marathon, he said the course was good on the eyes and the weather was perfectly suitable for running, and is willing to attend again next year.

Apart from professional medical assistance, the after-match medical services were also provided for all the players, including stretching exercises and massage.