The race route map of the 2023 Hangzhou Marathon. [Photo provided to ezhejiang.gov.cn]

The 2023 Hangzhou Marathon will start at the city's Huanglong Sports Center on the morning of Dec 17, as announced by the organizers at a recent press conference in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province.

A total of 36,000 people will participate in this year's event, including 20,000 in the full marathon, 12,000 in the half marathon, and 4,000 in the fun run, said the organizers.

Shi Yigong, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and president of Westlake University, will serve as the image ambassador for the Hangzhou Marathon for the second year in a row.

"This is my eighth year in Hangzhou and my fourth time participating in the Hangzhou Marathon. I believe that all the registered participants and citizens are as excited as I am, looking forward to the first Hangzhou Marathon after the successful hosting of the Hangzhou Asian Games," he said.

According to the press conference, this year's running routes will incorporate Hangzhou's historical and cultural elements, as well as the elements of the Asian Games, to enable participants to personally experience the atmosphere of the Asian Games and showcase the charm and vitality of Hangzhou as the host city of the Asian Games.

The starting point for all events will be at the Huanglong Sports Center.

During the marathon, the organizing committee will provide warm clothing and supplies along the race route. Ginger tea for finishers will also be provided at the end of race. Meanwhile, medical support measures will be strengthened.

The Hangzhou Marathon has been held for 35 years, becoming a prominent international sporting event in Hangzhou and across Zhejiang.