Choosing between Chengdu Marathon and Paris 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 | Chengdu Marathon | Paris Marathon |
|---|---|---|
| Next race | Sunday, 25 October 2026 at 7:30 am | Sunday, 4 April 2027 at 8:30 am |
| Elevation | Very flat - approx. 499m above sea level. ↑ 50 m · ↓ 50 m · net 0 m | Mostly flat with gentle undulations - approx. 42m above sea level. ↑ 164 m · ↓ 157 m · net +7 m |
| Typical weather | Mild and humid autumn | Cool to mild and humid spring |
| Typical participants | Approximately 35k finishers | Approximately 54k finishers |
| Entry difficulty | Competitive | Moderate |
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.
The Paris Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 54k finishers on an urban road in Paris, France. The course starts on the Champs-Élysées near the Arc de Triomphe and finishes on Avenue Foch. The route passes Place de la Bastille, Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Bois de Vincennes. Mostly flat with gentle undulations; no major hills or cobblestone sections.
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