The 2024 Hangzhou Entrepreneurship Marathon kicks off on Nov 9. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

The 2024 Hangzhou Entrepreneurship Marathon kicked off on Nov 9, drawing roughly 300 teams of over 1,100 participants from universities and investment institutions for a 10.5-kilometer race along the Qiantang River.

The event emphasized teamwork, with creative elements present throughout. Each team of four had to complete the race together, with the combined time determining the final result. Medals, shaped like osmanthus petals, could be combined by the team members to form a complete flower.

After intense competition, the Agogova Hangzhou Tech Co team claimed the championship with a time of 2 hours, 15 minutes, and 47 seconds. The TOMIC team secured second place, while the ZJU Urban College team took third.

Since its inception in 2016, the marathon has evolved into a hallmark event, blending sports with entrepreneurial spirit. The race has traversed iconic locations such as West Lake, Xixi Wetland, and Liangzhu Ancient City, growing from a modest gathering to a thousand-strong event. It aims to help participants make friends, find mentors, and forge business ties through running.

Participants work in teams and run along the scenic Qiantang River in Hangzhou. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]