Choosing between Beijing Marathon and Chengdu 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 | Chengdu Marathon |
|---|---|---|
| Next race | Sunday, 18 October 2026 at 7:30 am | Sunday, 25 October 2026 at 7:30 am |
| Elevation | Very flat - approx. 49m above sea level. ↑ 50 m · ↓ 50 m · net 0 m | Very flat - approx. 499m above sea level. ↑ 50 m · ↓ 50 m · net 0 m |
| Typical weather | Cool to mild autumn | Mild and humid autumn |
| Typical participants | Approximately 30k finishers | Approximately 35k finishers |
| Entry difficulty | Very competitive | Competitive |
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 Chengdu Marathon draws approximately 35k runners each autumn through Sichuan's relaxed capital, famous for pandas, hot pot, and teahouse culture. The course passes Tianfu Square, the Jinjiang River, and the Anshun Bridge with views toward the Qionglai mountains on clear days. October race weather in the Sichuan Basin is mild and overcast — ideal for a flat, fast urban loop.
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