Runners dash off the starting line at the 2025 Hangzhou Qiantang Women's Half Marathon on April 13. [Photo/Hangzhou Qiantang Women's Half Marathon]

The 2025 Hangzhou Qiantang Women's Half Marathon kicked off at 7 am on April 13, drawing 12,000 runners to the scenic Qiantang River for a vibrant celebration of "her power".

Kenya's Cecilia Wayua Michael won the half marathon in 1 hour 12 minutes and 40 seconds, while China's Zheng Xiaoqian and Huang Xuemei claimed the second and third spots. Notably, Huang claimed victory in the women's category of the Paris 2024 Marathon for All.

The three winners of the half marathon stand on the podium. [Photo/Hangzhou Qiantang Women's Half Marathon]

Now in its seventh year, the event has grown into a World Athletics Label Race and China's top-rated women's marathon. The race featured a 21.1-kilometer half marathon and a 3.5-km mini/family run, showcasing Qiantang's riverside parks and cultural charm.

As one of Hangzhou's youngest districts, Qiantang is using sport to shape its youthful and international identity in the post-Asian Games era.

A runner cheers during the half marathon. [Photo/Hangzhou Qiantang Women's Half Marathon]