Race Categories
Event Detail
The 2026 Great Canal 10K Challenge brings runners to Gongshu District in Hangzhou for a waterfront race alongside China's historic Grand Canal. Starting at the provisional China Grand Canal Museum site at 7:30 am on Saturday, 14 November, the event has a combined capacity of 10,000 participants across its 10K challenge, 5K fun run and 5K family run.
Course and setting
The 10K course travels from the museum along Lishui North Road and Lishui Road, following the canal before returning to its start area. Runners can experience the Grand Canal's urban landscape, with nearby landmarks including Gongchen Bridge, Grand Canal National Cultural Park, the Qiaoxi historic district and Xiaohe Straight Street. The 5K fun and family runs finish at Yuanyang Ledi Port, rather than the 10K finish. Follow organiser route instructions for each category; maps and access arrangements may change.
Entry rules and practical information
The 10K challenge accepts runners aged at least 16 on 1 January 2026. For the 5K fun run, entrants must be at least 14 on that date. The family category is advertised for an adult or guardian accompanying a child aged at least seven, with the entry price displayed for a one-adult, one-child team. Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis until categories fill. The registration platform lists a closing deadline of noon China Standard Time on 6 November 2026, although entries may sell out earlier. The organising committee states that entry fees are not refundable once a place is secured.
The organisers expect approximately 5,000 entrants in the 10K, 2,500 in the 5K fun run and 2,500 in the family run. Plan to arrive before the advertised start, allow time for crowd management and check the registration platform for updated bib collection and event-day instructions. No individual 5K flag-off times or race-pack pickup schedule have been independently confirmed.
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