Yesterday, a runners' forum for the 2026 Hangzhou Marathon was held. Organizers announced multiple changes to the event, aiming to upgrade it to a World Athletics Platinum Label marathon.Registration for the 2026 Hangzhou Marathon is tentatively scheduled to open on November 1; the three most notable changes are:1. Course optimized to reduce on-course turnbacks;
2. New overseas registration channel to increase the race's internationalization;
3. Thousands of additional entries will be added for the half marathon and full marathon, and a second lottery will be introduced.
In previous years on the river embankment section,the narrowed course made the aid stations and medical points extremely cramped, and runners often interfered with each other when turning back to grab water,and with the Three Bridges renovation this year, this segment of the route is expected to change.By following the Platinum Label standards of the Shanghai Marathon and Xiamen Marathon, the race will not only invite the world’s top elite athletes, it may also attract domestic elites vying for spots. With earlier registration and influence expanding beyond its usual circles, will entry slots become even more sought-after?
In the past, Chinese marathons never lacked passion — what they lacked was a top-tier event system that kept evolving. The Hangzhou Marathon,founded in 1987, has grownfrom the early West Lake Osmanthus International Marathon to today's World Athletics Gold Label status, and with 38 editions to its nameit ranks among the longest-running marathons in the country.
Do you think the Hangzhou Marathon has a chance to become China's third World Athletics Platinum Label full marathon?
Will you register for the 2026 Hangzhou Marathon?
Text: Trail Running Explosion / Editor:MPImages:Trail Running Explosion / Visuals:Max
