2025 Optics Valley Marathon set for Nov 16

The 2025 Optics Valley Marathon, themed "Cyberpunk Marathon", is scheduled to kick off on Nov 16 and will feature both full and half marathon races, attracting 13,000 participants.

This "cyberpunk course" has been optimized to showcase the achievements and innovative culture of Wuhan East Lake High-tech Development Zone (Optics Valley of China, or OVC), with runners traversing a route that highlights key landmarks and institutions, including Optics Valley Square, the Optics Valley Suspended Monorail, HGTECH, and the Hubei Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, offering a firsthand experience of OVC's development journey.

A humanoid robot runs along the trail. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

Incorporating cutting-edge humanoid robotics, the marathon will feature the "Guangzi" and "Xiaobei" robots developed by OVC, which will cheer participants at music stations along the course. At the finish line, these robots will join volunteers in awarding medals and extending unique congratulations to finishers.

To enhance the "Cyberpunk OVC" experience, the organizing committee will provide special benefits for participants, including a 20 percent discount on the Optics Valley Suspended Monorail, the nation's first sky rail train, redeemable by presenting their race packet and valid ID cards from Nov 14 to 16.

Participants will pass by the Optics Valley Suspended Monorail. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

For accommodation, 29 hotels in OVC will provide early breakfast, extended check-out times, and supply kits on race days to ensure participants enjoy a comfortable stay. A cultural and tourism gift package will also be offered to runners, including tickets to major provincial attractions, unique cultural products, and over 20 exclusive lifestyle services. 

Twenty-five medical stations will be set up along the course. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]