Choosing between Beijing Marathon and Dalian 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 | Dalian Marathon |
|---|---|---|
| Next race | Sunday, 18 October 2026 at 7:30 am | Sunday, 9 May 2027 at 7:30 am |
| Elevation | Very flat - approx. 49m above sea level. ↑ 50 m · ↓ 50 m · net 0 m | Mostly flat with gentle undulations - approx. 33m above sea level. ↑ 100 m · ↓ 95 m · net +5 m |
| Typical weather | Cool to mild autumn | Mild spring |
| Typical participants | Approximately 30k finishers | Approximately 30k 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 Dalian Marathon brings approximately 30k finishers each May to the Liaodong Peninsula's most cosmopolitan port. The coastal loop passes Xinghai Square — one of Asia's largest city squares — the Dalian waterfront, and forested coastal roads with Yellow Sea views. May's mild Liaoning spring and fresh sea breezes make it one of northeast China's most popular marathons.
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