The 2025 China (Zhoushan) Triathlon Elite Race was held on Nov 2 at Nansha Scenic Area on Zhujiajian Island, Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province.

2025 China (Zhoushan) Triathlon Elite Race takes place in Zhoushan on Nov 2. [Photo/Putuoshan–Zhujiajian Administrative Committee]

The event, now upgraded to an A+ points race under the China Triathlon Sports Association, attracted nearly 1,000 triathlon enthusiasts from across the country. The competition featured various categories, including elite, full- and half-distance age groups, aquabike, aquathlon, and team relay divisions, allowing both newcomers and seasoned athletes to compete in formats suited to their abilities.

At 7:30 am, athletes plunged into the 20.2 C seawater for the 1,500-meter swim, slicing through the waves with strength and precision. After swift transitions, participants embarked on a 40-kilometer cycling route along Zhujiajian's coastal highway. The final 10-kilometer run, filled with challenging climbs, pushed every athlete to their limits.

Athletes plunge into seawater for the 1,500-meter swim. [Photo/Putuoshan–Zhujiajian Administrative Committee]

Hu Chenhao from the Shanghai Huanle Triathlon Club claimed the men's elite title with a time of 1 hr 57 min 31 sec. Qin Zhuhua from Guangxi Triathlon Club took the women's elite crown with a time of 2 hr 25 min 58 sec.

Athletes display their medals. [Photo/Putuoshan–Zhujiajian Administrative Committee]

This marks the fourth time the Putuoshan–Zhujiajian Administrative Committee has hosted the event, which has grown from a national C-level race to this year's A+ ranking.

The upgraded certification greatly enhances the event's professionalism, visibility, and economic impact by combining sports and tourism models. More than 90 percent of participants came from outside Zhoushan, boosting local tourism as nearby hotels reported a 72.5 percent occupancy rate, up 25 percent from last year.