The 2025 Lishui Marathon is scheduled to kick off on March 30, attracting runners from around the world to this scenic city in East China's Zhejiang province.

Lishui has hosted this event since 2016, establishing it as a key platform to show the city's image through its picturesque routes, professional organization, and excellent services.

This year's marathon will feature 20,000 participants, including 5,000 in the full marathon, 7,000 in the half-marathon, and 8,000 in the fun run.

The event was fully booked, with 22.37 percent of runners coming from outside the province, and 75 international competitors from 13 countries, including Ethiopia and Kenya.

The 2025 Lishui Marathon medals feature the craftsmanship of Longquan celadon. [Photo/Tide News]

The course design, cultural elements, and eco-friendly practices have been enhanced this year. The start and finish lines are both at Chuzhou Park, optimizing route efficiency and traffic flow. Additionally, the medals feature the craftsmanship of Longquan celadon, which was inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2009.

Emphasizing sustainability, the marathon offsets its carbon footprint through the "Zhejiang Forest Carbon Sink", an ecological products trading platform.

This year, Lishui aims to bring in natural and cultural attractions, promoting tourism and local cuisine. Participants can enjoy complimentary visits to 23 scenic spots with their race bibs for a month following the event.