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 mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.

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 7:30 am local time on Sunday, 1 November 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.hangzhou-marathon.com/ 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.

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.

Hangzhou Marathon

Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China

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.

Hangzhou Marathon 2026 race day

The next Hangzhou Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 1 November 2026 with a 7:30 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 100 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.

Hangzhou Marathon course route

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 elevation profile

The Hangzhou Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 100 metres of climbing and 95 metres of descent, with a net climb of 5 metres from start to finish.

Entry requirements

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

Hangzhou Marathon course video

Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.

Hangzhou holds 2020 Int'l Marathon

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 mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.
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 7:30 am local time on Sunday, 1 November 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.hangzhou-marathon.com/ 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. Registration is through https://www.hangzhou-marathon.com/.
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 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Hangzhou.

Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China· 76 km away

Jiaxing Marathon

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

Ningbo, Zhejiang, China· 141 km away

Ningbo Marathon

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.

Next race: Sunday, 28 March 2027

Wuxi, Jiangsu, China· 142 km away

Wuxi Marathon

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.

Next race: Sunday, 28 March 2027

Shanghai, Shanghai, China· 161 km away

Shanghai Marathon

The Shanghai Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 15k finishers on an urban road in Shanghai, China. The course starts at the Bund and finishes at Shanghai Stadium. The route passes the Lujiazui financial district, Nanjing Road, and the Huangpu riverfront. Mostly flat with gentle undulations on river crossings.

Next race: Sunday, 29 November 2026

Wuhu, Anhui, China· 203 km away

Wuhu Marathon

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. The Yangtze riverside, lakeside parks, and university-area roads in southern Anhui give March's race a wide, open feel with only subtle grade changes.

Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027

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