This year's Hangzhou Marathon attracts over 30,000 runners. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

The annual Hangzhou Marathon once again ignited the city's passion for running on Nov 2, when more than 30,000 participants from around the world set off from Huanglong Sports Center, embarking on a 42.195-kilometer journey through West Lake and the Qiantang River.

In the men's full marathon, Ethiopia's Chalu Deso Gelmisa claimed the title by mere milliseconds, edging out Kenya's Nicholas Kirwa and Bonface Kimutai Kiplimo — all three finishing in 2:11:15, one of the closest finishes in the event's history. China's Zhao Chaochuan was the top domestic runner, finishing in 2:12:54 and earning the national title and 100,000-yuan ($14,043) prize.

The women's full marathon saw Shenzhen's Zhu Qing take first place with a time of 2:32:48, marking her first appearance in Hangzhou. "The course had a few slopes, but the scent of osmanthus and cheering volunteers kept me going," she said.

The event also featured a birthday party for 139 participants celebrating their special day, and a "sub-3 gift" for those finishing under three hours — gestures that highlighted the marathon's human touch.

Renowned as one of China's most scenic races, the route combined West Lake's poetic charm with the Qiantang River's grandeur, finishing at the iconic Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center.

Combining athletic intensity with cultural flair, this year's event truly embodied the spirit of "Running through the beauty of Hangzhou".

A bird's-eye view of the Huanglong Sports Center and marathon runners. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]