Overview
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.
Chengdu Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Chengdu Marathon 2026 race day
The next Chengdu Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 25 October 2026 with a 7:30 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 50 m of climbing on a very flat layout.
Chengdu Marathon course route
The Chengdu Marathon is an urban road that starts and finishes in the Tianfu Square / city-centre area. The loop follows the Jinjiang River, passes the Anshun Bridge and Sichuan University district, and crosses the Hi-tech Zone before returning downtown. The flat profile keeps rhythm steady throughout, with only minor bridge ramps or short rises interrupting otherwise even pacing. Spectators gather at the start-finish festival and at organised cheer zones through the city centre and along the main boulevards.
Chengdu Marathon elevation profile
The Chengdu Marathon course is very flat over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 50 metres of climbing and 50 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
Entry requirements
The Chengdu Marathon is held in late October, typically on the fourth Sunday. Registration opens through the official site and is competitive due to the race's large field and Chengdu's popularity as a travel destination.
Chengdu Marathon course videos
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
2017 Rock 'n' Roll Chengdu Highlights
2015 Chengdu ITU World Cup - Elite Men's Highlights
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Chengdu Marathon elevation profile?
- The Chengdu Marathon has 50 metres of total climbing and 50 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is very flat, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
- How long is the Chengdu Marathon?
- The Chengdu Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes in the Tianfu Square / city-centre area.
- What time does the Chengdu Marathon start?
- The 2026 Chengdu Marathon starts at 7:30 am local time on Sunday, 25 October 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.chengdu-marathon.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Chengdu Marathon start and finish?
- The race starts and finishes in central Chengdu near Tianfu Square. The loop covers the Jinjiang River corridor, the Hi-tech Zone, and historic city districts. Updated maps appear at https://www.chengdu-marathon.com/.
- When is the Chengdu Marathon?
- The Chengdu Marathon is held in late October, typically on the fourth Sunday. Registration opens through the official site and is competitive due to the race's large field and Chengdu's popularity as a travel destination.
- Is the Chengdu Marathon flat?
- Yes. Chengdu sits on a flat basin floor, and the marathon course avoids the surrounding hills. Total elevation gain is minimal, making it suitable for fast times when humidity is manageable.
- What makes the Chengdu Marathon special?
- Running through China's 'leisure capital' with panda-country branding, teahouse culture, and Sichuan cuisine at the finish festival gives the race a distinctly laid-back character compared with coastal Chinese marathons.
- What is Chengdu weather like on race day?
- Late October in Chengdu is mild, often 14–20 °C (57–68 °F) with overcast skies and moderate humidity. Rain is possible but temperatures rarely reach extremes.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Chengdu.
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