Choosing between Beijing Marathon and Edinburgh 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 | Edinburgh Marathon |
|---|---|---|
| Next race | Sunday, 18 October 2026 at 7:30 am | Sunday, 30 May 2027 at 10:00 am |
| Elevation | Very flat - approx. 49m above sea level. ↑ 50 m · ↓ 50 m · net 0 m | Hilly with notable climbs - approx. 66m above sea level. ↑ 120 m · ↓ 120 m · net 0 m |
| Typical weather | Cool to mild autumn | Cool to mild and humid spring |
| Typical participants | Approximately 30k finishers | Approximately 30k finishers |
| Entry difficulty | Very competitive | Very 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 Edinburgh Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 30k finishers on an urban road in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. The course starts in Edinburgh and finishes in Musselburgh on the coast — point-to-point. Hilly only in the first few miles leaving Edinburgh.
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