Katherine Weng, commercial senior vice-president of Mary Kay China, leads a team of female runners at the 2018 Hangzhou Women's International Marathon Oct 28. [Photo provided to ezhejiang.gov.cn]

Nearly 10,000 female runners crossed the starting line of the 2018 Hangzhou Women's International Marathon in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, Oct 28.

Co-hosted by the Chinese Athletic Association, Hangzhou Sports Federation and the management committee of Hangzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone, and sponsored by US cosmetics firm Mary Kay, this year's event was the second edition of the women's Hangzhou marathon.

Runners took part in two competitions, a 21.0975-kilometer half marathon and a 3.5-kilometer mini marathon. The running routes were elaborately designed along the Qiantang River, allowing runners to enjoy beautiful views.

Mary Kay recruited a team of 3,000 runners in pink for the marathon, hoping to demonstrate the company's support for women to show their beauty and health. Katherine Weng, commercial senior vice-president of Mary Kay China, said they want to encourage more women to participate in exercise activities and form healthy and beautiful lifestyles.

In addition to the running competitions, the event also included a bazaar of food and creative goods, a service area for rest and pop-up shops to give runners after-race services.

Winners of the 2018 Hangzhou Women's International Marathon receive the medals and bonus. [Photo provided to ezhejiang.gov.cn]

Runners pose for a group photo at the 2018 Hangzhou Women's International Marathon. [Photo provided to ezhejiang.gov.cn]