A bird's-eye view of West Lake in Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/WeChat account: marathonchina]

The first Hangzhou Women's Half Marathon, the first women's marathon to be held around West Lake in China, will take place on May 7, local media outlets reported.

The event is expected to receive a total of 8,000 participants and will include two categories - a half marathon and a lake run (approximately 10.2 kilometers).

The starting point of the race will be at Wulin Square. The lake run will circle around West Lake and pass by famous landmarks such as the Broken Bridge, Bai Causeway, Su Causeway, and Leifeng Pagoda, allowing runners to enjoy the beauty of West Lake and experience the poetic and artistic charm of Hangzhou's rich traditional culture. The half marathon route will also run along the Qiantang River, offering up some magnificent views.

The event is open only to female participants. From April 17 to 21, participants can register on the official website of the Hangzhou Women's Half Marathon, official WeChat account of the event, "Asian Games Venue Online" app, or the "Asian Games Venue Online" Alipay mini-program.

The registration process includes pre-registration, payment, random draw, and result announcement. After completing the pre-registration process, the organizers will announce the random draw results via SMS on April 25. The registration fee is 150 yuan ($21.78) per person for the half marathon and 100 yuan per person for the lake run

This event will not only promote women's sports and fitness but also highlight the beauty and charm of Hangzhou's natural and cultural landscapes. It is a great opportunity for female runners to challenge themselves and enjoy the scenic views of Hangzhou.

The Leifeng Pagoda in Hangzhou. [Photo/WeChat account: marathonchina]