Cyber Optics Valley Marathon 2025: A high-tech race to remember

On Nov 16, the 2025 Optics Valley Marathon saw over 13,000 runners embark on a thrilling race, which started from Huazhong University of Science and Technology and took runners along Gaoxin Avenue in a unique, tech-infused "cyber" event.

The event garnered extensive media attention, with over 50 national and local outlets broadcasting the marathon live. Online viewership surpassed 100 million, and the hashtag "Optics Valley Marathon" trended on platforms like Weibo and Douyin, with over 55 million views on Douyin alone.

Participants run along the unique, tech-infused "cyber" route. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

The event featured both full and half marathons. After more than two hours of intense competition, 31-year-old Wang Tao from Gansu emerged victorious in the men's full marathon, finishing in 2 hr 17 min 49 sec. Wuhan's runner Xiong Juan claimed the women's title, breaking previous records with a time of 2:44:3.

In the half marathon, Peng Bo won the men's category with a time of 1:7:39, while Yin Ting secured the women's title, finishing in 1:19:31.

Top three women finishers are honored at 2025 Optics Valley Marathon. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

A highlight of this year's marathon was the debut of the "Optics Valley-made" humanoid robots. Along the 16.6-kilometer music station, these robots cheered on runners with drum beats, earning praise from spectators for their futuristic appeal. At the finish line, they joined volunteers in awarding medals to the top runners.

The Optics Valley Marathon prioritizes the health and safety of every participant, with the full support from 25 medical stations, 65 medical checkpoints, 537 medical personnel, 3,500 student volunteers, and local police and city management teams.

A humanoid robot awards medals to the top runners. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

After the marathon, runners were treated to a taste of Wuhan with a food station offering local delicacies like pork bone lotus soup, handmade meatballs, and hot dry noodles.

As the final runner crossed the finish line, the 2025 Optics Valley Marathon concluded in a symphony of sweat, cheers, and technological marvels. With this year's journey complete, anticipation builds for 2026.