Wang Hongwei from Henan province crosses the finish line in 2 hours, 15 minutes, and 3 seconds. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

The 2023 Hangzhou Marathon kicked off at 8:30 am on Dec 17 at the Huanglong Sports Center.

Despite the freezing 0°C temperatures, nearly 30,000 runners from around 20 countries and regions ran along the picturesque routes of West Lake and Qiantang River. The event featured full marathon, half marathon, and fun run categories, with finish lines set at the Hangzhou Asian Games Village, Hangzhou Citizens' Center, and Moon over the Peaceful Lake in Autumn, one of the 10 classic scenes at West Lake.

Wang Hongwei from Henan province crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 15 minutes, and 3 seconds, securing victory and showcasing his talent beyond his third full marathon.

Wang, a student at Shanghai University of Sport, excels in 5,000-m and 10,000-m events, winning gold and silver at the National Student (Youth) Games this year. His outstanding performance in the Hangzhou Marathon left him pleasantly surprised, stating, 'Marathon is just my hobby.' Despite the challenging cold weather, he expressed satisfaction with the race's organization and his achievement.

In the women's category, Xia Yuyu clinched the title with a time of 2 hours, 30 minutes, and 44 seconds. The chilly weather posed a significant challenge, but the well-organized support stations and medical facilities along the route ensured a smooth experience for the runners.

The event draws nearly 30,000 runners from around 20 countries and regions. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]