The 2019 Optics Valley Half Marathon. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

A news release conference for the opening of the 2023 Optics Valley Marathon (with the tagline "Run towards the World") was held on Aug 21 at the East Lake High-tech Development Zone (also known as Optics Valley of China, or OVC).

It was revealed at the conference that the marathon this year is scheduled to open at 7:30 am on Oct 28. Three major sporting events are included – a marathon (42.20 kilometers), a half marathon (21.10 km), and a healthy running competition (about 12 km). The entire event will be livestreamed on TV and other new media channels.

The three races will all start at the Huazhong University of Science and Technology. The marathon will end at the valley's calla lily-shaped landmark, the half marathon will end at the LOGO Square at the Optics Valley Central Ecological Corridor, and the healthy running competition will end at the Optics Valley International Tennis Center.

The routes pass by the valley's sky rail, Optics Valley Square, and other attractive OVC architecture and scenery.

The total number of participants is expected to reach 16,400, including 5,000 in the marathon, 5,000 in the half marathon, and 5,000 in the healthy running completion.

The highly anticipated corporate relay race, which has proved popular in previous OVC half marathons, will also be part of the game this year, with 35 teams composed of representatives from enterprises and research institutions from national high-tech zones throughout China.

Registration for the event began at 10 am on Aug 22 and will end at 10 am on Aug 27. People can sign up at the official website of the Optics Valley Marathon or the Maramara app. The registration fees for the event are 180 yuan ($25) for the marathon, 150 yuan for the half marathon, and 100 yuan for the health run.

The medals of the 2023 Optics Valley Marathon. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

As part of the Wuhan Marathon series, the game will provide 150 slots for direct entry into the 2024 Wuhan Marathon. The top 50 runners in the full marathon, half marathon, and health run categories will be granted slots.

The courses will be equipped with 15 beverage stations, nine food supply stations, and 25 medical sites for emergencies, with approximately 900 medical staff members and 48 ambulances.

The organizing committee also plans to cooperate with 13 local universities in Wuhan to recruit 4,500 college student volunteers to provide services for runners.

Scan the QR code below to sign up for the event.