Hangzhou Marathon

HangzhouZhejiangChina

Next race

Sunday, 1 November 2026

7:00 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Lakeside scenic road

Elevation

Rolling · 100 m gain

100 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Hangzhou Marathon attracts approximately 12k finishers each November along the West Lake (Xihu) UNESCO World Heritage landscape. The course passes the Broken Bridge, Leifeng Pagoda, and the Qiantang River with views of willow-lined shores and misty Jiangnan hills. November's golden autumn light on West Lake makes it one of China's most poetically scenic marathons.

Hangzhou Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Typical participants: Approximately 12k finishers

Weather: Mild and humid autumn
13–17°C · humidity 70–85%
Marathon weather guide →

Course records: Men: 2:07:47 — Moses Kibet (2024)Women: 2:22:57 — Helah Kiprop (2024)

Course & terrain

Hangzhou Marathon course

Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.

The Hangzhou Marathon is a lakeside scenic road that starts near the West Lake scenic area and finishes at the Olympic Sports Centre or West Lake festival zone. The loop follows West Lake shores, passes the Broken Bridge and Leifeng Pagoda, and crosses the Qiantang River embankment. The flat profile keeps rhythm steady throughout, with only minor bridge ramps or short rises interrupting otherwise even pacing. Spectators line the lakeside promenades and the start-finish area, with the densest support where the course passes parks and scenic embankments.

Hangzhou Marathon route map

Registration

Hangzhou Marathon entry requirements

The Hangzhou Marathon is held on the first Sunday of November. Registration is through https://www.hangzhou-marathon.com/.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hangzhou Marathon elevation profile?: The Hangzhou Marathon has 100 metres of total climbing and 95 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.
Where can I find the Hangzhou Marathon route map?: This page includes a Hangzhou Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. Follows West Lake shores, passes the Broken Bridge and Leifeng Pagoda, and crosses the Qiantang River embankment.
How long is the Hangzhou Marathon?: The Hangzhou Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Lakeside scenic road starts near the West Lake scenic area and finishes at the Olympic Sports Centre or West Lake festival zone.
What time does the Hangzhou Marathon start?: The 2026 Hangzhou Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Sunday, 1 November 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Does the Hangzhou Marathon pass West Lake?: Yes. The course follows the West Lake (Xihu) scenic area, a UNESCO World Heritage site, passing the Broken Bridge, Su Causeway, and Leifeng Pagoda.
When is the Hangzhou Marathon?: The Hangzhou Marathon is held on the first Sunday of November.
Is the Hangzhou Marathon flat?: The West Lake loop is largely flat with gentle undulations. Hangzhou's surrounding hills are visible but not climbed on the marathon route.
What is Hangzhou famous for?: Hangzhou is celebrated in Chinese poetry for West Lake beauty, Longjing tea, and the Alibaba tech hub in nearby Yuhang. The marathon captures the classical Jiangnan landscape.
What weather should I expect in Hangzhou in November?: November in Hangzhou is crisp autumn weather, often 10–18 °C (50–64 °F) with golden foliage around West Lake. Mist over the lake is common and atmospheric.

Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Hangzhou.

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The Jiaxing Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each November on a water-town urban road in Jiaxing, China. Its low elevation and flat geometry suit consistent pacing. The route passes canal areas, lake-adjacent roads, and modern streets in the Yangtze Delta water country. The course is very flat throughout.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

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The Ningbo Marathon draws approximately 15k runners each March through Zhejiang's ancient port city on the East China Sea. The course passes Tianyi Pavilion — China's oldest private library — the Old Bund waterfront, and the Hangzhou Bay bridge approach area on a flat coastal loop. March's mild Zhejiang spring showcases Ningbo's maritime trading heritage.

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The Wuxi Marathon draws approximately 18k finishers each March along Taihu Lake (Lake Tai) — China's third-largest freshwater lake. The course follows the lakeside embankment past Lingshan Grand Buddha views, the Wuxi CBD, and the scenic Meiliang Lake causeway. March cherry blossoms and Taihu's open water horizons make it one of the Yangtze Delta's most scenic spring marathons.

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WuhuAnhuiChina· 203 km away

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The Wuhu Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each March on a riverside urban road in Wuhu, China. The wide river setting gives the course a more open visual feel than many inland city events. The course passes the Yangtze riverside, lakeside parks, and university-area roads in southern Anhui. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027

NanjingJiangsuChina· 237 km away

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The Nanjing Marathon draws approximately 20k finishers each November through the ancient capital on the Yangtze River. The course passes the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum approach, Xuanwu Lake, the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, and the Confucius Temple district. November's cool Jiangnan autumn and flat terrain showcase Nanjing's blend of imperial history and modern development.

Next race: Sunday, 8 November 2026

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