Beijing Marathon

BeijingBeijingChina

Next race

Sunday, 18 October 2026

7:30 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Historic urban road

Elevation

Flat · 50 m gain

50 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

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.

Beijing Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Typical participants: Approximately 32k finishers

Weather: Cool to mild autumn
11–15°C · humidity 45–70%
Marathon weather guide →

Course records: Men: 2:07:06 — Mathew Kisorio (2019)Women: 2:19:39 — Sun Yingjie (2003)

Course & terrain

Beijing Marathon course

Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.

The Beijing Marathon is a historic urban road that starts at Tiananmen Square and finishes at the Olympic Park or adjacent festival area. The course follows Chang'an Avenue, passes the Temple of Heaven, and loops through the Olympic Green with views of the Bird's Nest stadium. The flat profile keeps rhythm steady throughout, with only minor bridge ramps or short rises interrupting otherwise even pacing. Crowd support is strongest around the historic start-finish hub and along the landmark districts that define the city's character.

Beijing Marathon route map

Registration

Beijing Marathon entry requirements

The Beijing Marathon is held in mid-October. Registration is through https://www.beijing-marathon.com/ and is highly competitive, with both lottery and qualification standards for the full marathon distance.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Beijing Marathon elevation profile?: The Beijing Marathon has 50 metres of total climbing and 50 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is flat, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
Where can I find the Beijing Marathon route map?: This page includes a Beijing Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. The course follows Chang'an Avenue, passes the Temple of Heaven, and loops through the Olympic Green with views of the Bird's Nest stadium.
How long is the Beijing Marathon?: The Beijing Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Historic course from Tiananmen Square to the Olympic Park or adjacent festival area.
Is the Beijing Marathon flat?: Yes. The Beijing Marathon has 50 metres of total climbing over 42.195 km (26.2 miles) — less than 55 metres of gain — which suits runners chasing personal bests or Boston qualifying times.
What time does the Beijing Marathon start?: The 2026 Beijing Marathon starts at 7:30 am local time on Sunday, 18 October 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Does the Beijing Marathon pass Tiananmen Square?: Yes. The iconic start from Tiananmen Square is one of the most recognisable marathon starts in the world. The course then follows Chang'an Avenue through the heart of the capital.
When is the Beijing Marathon and how do I register?: The Beijing Marathon is held in mid-October. and is highly competitive, with both lottery and qualification standards for the full marathon distance.
Is the Beijing Marathon a fast course?: Yes. The flat boulevard route through central Beijing has hosted numerous Chinese national records. Cool October mornings and minimal climbing make it one of Asia's fastest major marathons.
What landmarks are on the Beijing Marathon course?: Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, the Olympic Park, and the Bird's Nest (National Stadium) are highlights. The course showcases both imperial and modern Beijing.
What weather should runners expect in Beijing in October?: October in Beijing is crisp and dry, often 8–16 °C (46–61 °F) at the start. Air quality varies — check AQI forecasts. Layers for the cool morning are advisable.

Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Beijing.

TianjinTianjinChina· 108 km away

Tianjin Marathon

The Tianjin Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 12k finishers each October on an urban road in Tianjin, China. Its flat profile and dense urban scenery make it one of north China's better big-city marathon courses. The route passes the Hai River, European-style concession architecture, and modern business districts. The course is very flat throughout.

Next race: Sunday, 25 October 2026

TangshanHebeiChina· 155 km away

Tangshan Marathon

The Tangshan Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each October on an urban road in Tangshan, China. The race is part of Tangshan's long civic rebuilding story after the 1976 earthquake. The course passes new-city boulevards, memorial spaces, and industrial-era redevelopment districts. The course is very flat throughout.

Next race: Sunday, 3 October 2027

ShijiazhuangHebeiChina· 266 km away

Shijiazhuang Marathon

The Shijiazhuang Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 12k finishers each April on an urban road in Shijiazhuang, China. Its straightforward flat layout gives runners few terrain surprises. The route passes broad Hebei boulevards, civic plazas, and city parks built on the North China Plain. The course is very flat throughout.

Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027

JinanShandongChina· 364 km away

Jinan Marathon

The Jinan Marathon attracts approximately 20k finishers each April through the 'City of Springs' in Shandong province. The course passes Baotu Spring, Daming Lake, and the Thousand Buddha Mountain foothills on a flat loop through the provincial capital. April's mild Shandong spring and the famous spring-water culture give the race a distinctive northern-China character.

Next race: Sunday, 25 April 2027

TaiyuanShanxiChina· 402 km away

Taiyuan Marathon

The Taiyuan Marathon draws approximately 18k marathon finishers each September through Shanxi province's capital in the Fen River valley. The course starts at May 1 Square (Wuyi Square) and finishes at the Jinyang Lake expo south gate, passing Yingze Street, Yingze Bridge, and Binhe West Road on wide northern-China boulevards. September's crisp Shanxi autumn and flat terrain attract runners from across north China.

Next race: Sunday, 19 September 2027

HohhotInner MongoliaChina· 414 km away

Hohhot Marathon

The Hohhot Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each May on an urban road in Hohhot, China. Altitude and dry air matter more here than hills do. The course passes Mongolian-style civic spaces, wide avenues, and open skies on the Inner Mongolian plateau. Thin air at altitude is the main pacing challenge despite a flat layout.

Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027

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