Next race
Sunday, 1 November 2026
8:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Urban road
Elevation
Flat · 50 m gain
50 m climbing
Race profile
Overview
The Foshan Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 12k finishers each November on an urban road in Foshan, China. It showcases Foshan's martial-arts and ceramics heritage within a fast Pearl River Delta course. The course passes Lingnan-style cultural landmarks, riverside sections, and broad delta-city roads. The course is very flat throughout.
Foshan Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
- Typical participants
Approximately 12k finishers
- Weather
Course & terrain
Foshan Marathon course
Course route details and elevation profile for race-week planning.
Starts and finishes in Foshan's urban center. The course passes Lingnan-style cultural landmarks, riverside sections, and broad delta-city roads. Very flat throughout. Very flat throughout.
The Foshan Marathon course is 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.
- Elevation
Registration
Foshan Marathon entry requirements
The Foshan Marathon uses a lottery or ballot through foshan.marathon.org.cn, with registration windows that typically open several months before the November race. Domestic applicants register via the official marathon.org.cn portal and demand routinely exceeds the mass-participation cap of roughly 12k runners. International runners must monitor the official site for overseas entry channels and health-credential requirements, as places fill quickly once the window opens.
Getting there
Foshan Marathon travel
Airports closest to Foshan for flight planning and race-week travel.
- Closest airport
Foshan (Nanhai) (FUO)
Foshan Shadi Airport
9 km / 5 mi
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Foshan Marathon elevation profile?
- The Foshan 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.
- How long is the Foshan Marathon?
- The Foshan Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes in Foshan's urban center.
- What time does the Foshan Marathon start?
- The 2026 Foshan Marathon starts at 8:00 am local time on Sunday, 1 November 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Foshan Marathon start and finish?
- Starts and finishes in Foshan's urban center. Updated each year.
- When is the Foshan Marathon and how do I register?
- Foshan Marathon is typically held in November. Registration opens may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Foshan Marathon course flat?
- Yes. Foshan Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
- What landmarks does the Foshan Marathon pass?
- The course passes Lingnan-style cultural landmarks, riverside sections, and broad delta-city roads.
- What weather should runners expect at Foshan Marathon?
- Typically mild and humid with light breeze and warm late-autumn temperatures.
Official resources
Foshan Marathon links
Websites
Social Media
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Foshan.
Planning guides
Related guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
Flat vs Hilly Marathons
When a flat course helps your time, when hills are worth the view, and how to pick terrain that fits your training and goals.
Marathon Entry: Lotteries, Ballots & Open Registration
How major marathons allocate places — open entry, lotteries, charity bibs, tour operators, and what to check before you commit to a trip.
Marathon Weather: What to Expect
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.