Choosing between Beijing Marathon and Lagos City 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 | Lagos City Marathon |
|---|---|---|
| Next race | Sunday, 18 October 2026 at 7:30 am | Saturday, 13 February 2027 at 6:30 am |
| Elevation | Very flat - approx. 49m above sea level. ↑ 50 m · ↓ 50 m · net 0 m | Very flat - approx. 11m above sea level. ↑ 50 m · ↓ 50 m · net 0 m |
| Typical weather | Cool to mild autumn | Hot and humid winter |
| 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 Lagos City Marathon is West Africa's largest marathon, drawing approximately 30k starters each February through Nigeria's commercial capital. The out-and-back course links the National Theatre, Victoria Island, and the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge with views across Lagos Lagoon. February's dry-season heat and flat terrain make it a bold early-year challenge in one of Africa's most energetic cities.
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