Overview
The Fuzhou Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 15k finishers each December on a riverside urban road in Fuzhou, China. Its low-profile, flat course makes it a strong winter option in southeast China. The route passes the Min River, hot-spring city boulevards, and modern riverfront development zones. The course is very flat throughout.
Fuzhou Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Fuzhou Marathon 2026 race day
The next Fuzhou Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 6 December 2026 with a 8:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 50 m of climbing on a very flat layout.
Fuzhou Marathon course route
Starts and finishes in central Fuzhou. The route passes the Min River, hot-spring city boulevards, and modern riverfront development zones. The Min River corridor stays largely level for rhythm running, with the strongest support along the riverfront promenade.
Fuzhou Marathon elevation profile
The Fuzhou 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 Fuzhou Marathon uses a lottery or ballot through fuzhou.marathon.org.cn, with registration windows that typically open several months before the December race. Domestic applicants register via the official marathon.org.cn portal and demand routinely exceeds the mass-participation cap of roughly 15k runners. International runners must monitor the official site for overseas entry channels and health-credential requirements, as places fill quickly once the window opens.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Fuzhou Marathon elevation profile?
- The Fuzhou 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 Fuzhou Marathon?
- The Fuzhou Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Riverside urban road starting and finishing in central Fuzhou.
- What time does the Fuzhou Marathon start?
- The 2026 Fuzhou Marathon starts at 8:00 am local time on Sunday, 6 December 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on fuzhou.marathon.org.cn/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Fuzhou Marathon start and finish?
- Starts and finishes in central Fuzhou. Updated course maps are published at https://fuzhou.marathon.org.cn/ each year.
- When is the Fuzhou Marathon and how do I register?
- Fuzhou Marathon is typically held in December. Registration opens through https://fuzhou.marathon.org.cn/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Fuzhou Marathon course flat?
- Yes. Fuzhou Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
- What landmarks does the Fuzhou Marathon pass?
- The route passes the Min River, hot-spring city boulevards, and modern riverfront development zones.
- What weather should runners expect at Fuzhou Marathon?
- Typically mild and humid with overcast skies possible and little cold stress.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Fuzhou.
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