Choosing between Beijing Marathon and Cape Town Marathon? This page puts the essentials side by side — next race date, elevation, typical weather, field size, and entry difficulty — with a short overview of each course below.
The headline differences between both races. Follow each marathon link for the full route map, elevation chart, and entry details.
| Detail | Beijing Marathon | Cape Town Marathon |
|---|---|---|
| Next race | Sunday, 18 October 2026 at 7:30 am | Sunday, 30 May 2027 at 6:30 am |
| Elevation | Very flat - approx. 49m above sea level. ↑ 50 m · ↓ 50 m · net 0 m | Rolling with notable climbs - approx. 25m above sea level. ↑ 205 m · ↓ 203 m · net +2 m |
| Typical weather | Cool to mild autumn | Mild autumn with coastal breezes |
| Typical participants | Approximately 30k finishers | Approximately 11k finishers |
| Entry difficulty | Very competitive | Easy |
The Beijing Marathon is China's most prestigious road race, with approximately 30k finishers each October on a course linking the capital's iconic boulevards. Runners pass Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Olympic Park on a flat route designed for fast times. The October race date and deep elite history make it the crown jewel of Chinese marathon running.
The Cape Town Marathon is Africa's first Abbott World Marathon Major, joining the series in 2027 as the eighth race. The scenic course starts and finishes at DHL Stadium with views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic coastline. With rolling terrain and around 205 metres of total climbing, it is the only AIMS Gold Label marathon on the continent and a landmark race for runners worldwide.
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