What is the Chongqing Marathon elevation profile?

The Chongqing Marathon has 150 metres of total climbing and 140 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling with moderate climbs, with 10 metres of net climb from start to finish.

How long is the Chongqing Marathon?

The Chongqing Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. From the Nan'an or Jiangbei district to the Chaotianmen confluence area.

What time does the Chongqing Marathon start?

The 2027 Chongqing Marathon starts at 7:30 am local time on Sunday, 7 March 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.cqmarathon.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.

Is the Chongqing Marathon hilly?

Yes. Chongqing is famously mountainous, and the marathon course includes river-bridge climbs and terraced hillside sections. Expect more elevation change than flat coastal Chinese marathons.

Where does the Chongqing Marathon start?

Start and finish locations vary by year but typically centre on the Chaotianmen confluence or Nan'an riverside. Check https://www.cqmarathon.com/ for the current course map.

What landmarks does the Chongqing Marathon pass?

Runners see the Yangtze–Jialing confluence, Hongyadong illuminated stilt houses, river bridges, and Chongqing's dramatic terraced skyline — one of China's most distinctive marathon backdrops.

What is Chongqing weather like in March?

March in Chongqing is cool and often foggy, typically 10–16 °C (50–61 °F) with high humidity. Mist along the rivers is common and adds atmosphere to the course.

Chongqing Marathon

Chongqing, Chongqing, China

Overview

The Chongqing Marathon draws approximately 25k runners each March through China's mountain megacity where the Yangtze and Jialing rivers meet. The course crosses river bridges, passes the Chaotianmen confluence, and climbs the city's famous terraced hillsides with skyline views of the '8D magic city.' March mist, humid river air, and rolling bridge-and-tunnel terrain make it one of China's most visually dramatic urban marathons.

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

Chongqing Marathon 2027 race day

The next Chongqing Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 7 March 2027 with a 7:30 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 150 m of climbing on a rolling with moderate climbs layout.

Chongqing Marathon course route

The Chongqing Marathon is an urban road that starts in the Nan'an or Jiangbei district and finishes at the Chaotianmen confluence area. The loop crosses Yangtze and Jialing river bridges, passes Hongyadong stilt houses, and climbs terraced hillside roads with river views. Flatter corridors and river valleys offer the easiest miles, while the moderate climbs through hills, bridges, or bluffs are the tougher sections once fatigue builds. Spectators gather at the start-finish festival and at organised cheer zones through the city centre and along the main boulevards.

Chongqing Marathon elevation profile

The Chongqing Marathon course is rolling with moderate climbs over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 150 metres of climbing and 140 metres of descent, with a net climb of 10 metres from start to finish.

Entry requirements

The Chongqing Marathon takes place on the first Sunday of March. Registration opens through the official website and fills quickly.

Chongqing Marathon course videos

Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.

Chongqing Marathon 10th Anniversary

Chongqing Marathon 10th Anniversary: Running Mode On!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Chongqing Marathon elevation profile?: The Chongqing Marathon has 150 metres of total climbing and 140 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling with moderate climbs, with 10 metres of net climb from start to finish.
How long is the Chongqing Marathon?: The Chongqing Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. From the Nan'an or Jiangbei district to the Chaotianmen confluence area.
What time does the Chongqing Marathon start?: The 2027 Chongqing Marathon starts at 7:30 am local time on Sunday, 7 March 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.cqmarathon.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Is the Chongqing Marathon hilly?: Yes. Chongqing is famously mountainous, and the marathon course includes river-bridge climbs and terraced hillside sections. Expect more elevation change than flat coastal Chinese marathons.
Where does the Chongqing Marathon start?: Start and finish locations vary by year but typically centre on the Chaotianmen confluence or Nan'an riverside. Check https://www.cqmarathon.com/ for the current course map.
When is the Chongqing Marathon held?: The Chongqing Marathon takes place on the first Sunday of March. Registration opens through the official website and fills quickly.
What landmarks does the Chongqing Marathon pass?: Runners see the Yangtze–Jialing confluence, Hongyadong illuminated stilt houses, river bridges, and Chongqing's dramatic terraced skyline — one of China's most distinctive marathon backdrops.
What is Chongqing weather like in March?: March in Chongqing is cool and often foggy, typically 10–16 °C (50–61 °F) with high humidity. Mist along the rivers is common and adds atmosphere to the course.

Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

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