The organizing committee of the 2026 Hangzhou Marathon holds a press brief. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]

The 2026 Hangzhou Marathon will kick off on Nov 1, with registration opening globally on June 23.

This year's race will expand its scale to 36,000 runners, including 22,000 full marathon participants and 14,000 half marathon runners. The full marathon will finish at Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium, while the half marathon will end at Civic Square.

A new registration system will introduce a second lottery round and a dedicated channel for overseas runners, making participation more accessible for international athletes.

The 42.195-kilometer full marathon route has also been redesigned to highlight Hangzhou's cultural heritage. It will connect two UNESCO World Heritage Sites — West Lake and the Grand Canal — while passing more than 20 landmarks, showcasing the city's history, culture and modern vitality.

Building on its "most scenic, cultural, fragrant and tech-driven" vision, the marathon will introduce more smart services, including AI video applications, automated race number assignment, drone-assisted medical support and AI traffic management.

With upgraded services, richer cultural experiences and more international-friendly arrangements, the 2026 Hangzhou Marathon aims to offer runners a race that combines competition with the unique charm of Hangzhou.

Runners dash out from the starting line at a previous edition of the Hangzhou Marathon. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]