Runners set out from the starting line during the 2019 Hangzhou Dream Town Half Marathon, which kicked off in Hangzhou Future Sci-tech City in Yuhang district, Hangzhou on Oct 20. [Photo/dream-marathon.com]　　

The 2019 Hangzhou Dream Town Half Marathon kicked off in Hangzhou Future Sci-tech City in Yuhang district, Hangzhou on Oct 20.

A highlight of this year's event was the use of advanced technologies including 5G, big data and artificial internet of things (AIoT).

Because the track has 5G network coverage, updates can be sent to the command center lickety-split.

AIoT technology collects real-time data and offers an autonomous analysis, thus allowing medical and security resources to be allocated both efficiently and practically. 

The high-tech half marathon also featured the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, which helped the command center better track what was going on during the event. 

Officials said that the Hangzhou Sports Lottery will donate 10 yuan ($1.41) to the Dream Fund every time a contestant passes the finish line. The fund will be used to support students coming from low-income families. 

The Hangzhou Dream Town Half Marathon was sponsored by the Chinese Athletics Association and the government of Yuhang district in Hangzhou and was hosted by the management committee of Hangzhou Future Sci-tech City.