Choosing between Dalian 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 | Dalian Marathon | Lagos City Marathon |
|---|---|---|
| Next race | Sunday, 9 May 2027 at 7:30 am | Saturday, 13 February 2027 at 6:30 am |
| Elevation | Mostly flat with gentle undulations - approx. 33m above sea level. ↑ 100 m · ↓ 95 m · net +5 m | Very flat - approx. 11m above sea level. ↑ 50 m · ↓ 50 m · net 0 m |
| Typical weather | Mild spring | Hot and humid winter |
| Typical participants | Approximately 30k finishers | Approximately 30k finishers |
| Entry difficulty | Easy | Easy |
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.
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.
Swap either race to compare another pair, or return to the compare hub.
