Yesterday the 2026 Hangzhou Marathon runners' forum was held, and organizers announced several changes to race arrangements aimed atpursuing World Athletics Platinum Label Marathon status.。Registration for the 2026 Hangzhou Marathon is tentatively set to open on November 1; the three most notable changes are:1. Optimize the course to reduce out-and-back sections;
2. Add overseas registration channels to increase the race's internationalization;
3. Thousands of new slots will be added for the half and full marathon, and a second lottery round will be introduced.
In past years, on the river-embankment section,the narrowing of the course left aid stations and medical points extremely confined, and runners turning back or grabbingwater would easily interfere with one another,and with the Three Bridges renovation this year, this stretch of the route is expected to change.Referencing the Platinum standards of the Shanghai Marathon and Xiamen Marathon, the race will not only invite the world's top elites, but may also attract domestic elites competing for spots. With earlier registration and wider reach, will entries become even harder to obtain?
In the past, China's marathons have not lacked passion; what they lacked was a continuously evolving toplevel race system. The Hangzhou Marathonwas founded in 1987; from the earliest West Lake West Lake Osmanthus International Marathon to today'sWorld Athletics Gold Label status, its 38 editions make itone of the longest-running marathons in the country.
Do you think the Hangzhou Marathon has a chance to become China's third full marathon to attain World Athletics Platinum Label status?
Will you register for the 2026 Hangzhou Marathon?
Text：Trail Running Big Bang/ Editor：MPPhoto：Trail Running Big Bang / Visual：Max
