Xianghu Lake National Tourist Resort‌. [Photo/Tide News]

The 2026 Hangzhou Xianghu Half Marathon is scheduled for Oct 18 at 7:30 am at Xianghu Lake National Tourist Resort‌ in Xiaoshan district, Hangzhou.

The event will feature only the men's and women's half-marathon categories, covering 21.0975 kilometers, with a total of 10,000 participants. This marks the first time the Xianghu race has reached a 10,000-runner scale and adopted an all-half-marathon format, offering a more focused racing experience.

The race is an A-level event of the Chinese Athletics Association and is currently undergoing certification.

The scenic route will largely run through Xianghu Lake, passing landmarks including Chengshan Mountain, Kuahuqiao Site, and Shiyan Mountain, as well as attractions and commercial areas such as Hangzhou Changqiao Polar Ocean Park‌ and Senbo Nature Park.

Held since 2019, the Xianghu Half Marathon has been rated a four-star event in Zhejiang. Organizers will incorporate music and local cultural elements along the course, blending competitive running with the area's autumn scenery and water town culture.

The event is also expected to boost sports tourism in Xiaoshan by drawing runners and visitors to local attractions, hotels, and restaurants.