Guangzhou Marathon

GuangzhouGuangdongChina

Next race

Sunday, 6 December 2026

7:30 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Urban road

Elevation

Flat · 50 m gain

50 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Guangzhou Marathon attracts approximately 20k finishers each December through the Pearl River Delta's largest city. The course passes the Canton Tower, Zhujiang New Town CBD, and the Pearl River (Zhujiang) waterfront on wide subtropical boulevards. December's mild Guangdong winter and flat terrain make it a popular year-end race in south China.

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

Typical participants: Approximately 20k finishers

Weather: Mild winter
15–19°C · humidity 55–75%
Marathon weather guide →

Course records: Men: 2:06:28 — Gebise Debele (2024)Women: 2:23:50 — Hiwot Gebrekidan (2019)

Course & terrain

Guangzhou Marathon course

Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.

The Guangzhou Marathon is an urban road that starts in the Tianhe or Zhujiang New Town area and finishes at the Canton Tower festival zone. The loop follows the Pearl River embankment, passes Haixinsha Island and the Canton Tower, and crosses the CBD. 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.

Guangzhou Marathon route map

Registration

Guangzhou Marathon entry requirements

The Guangzhou Marathon is held on the first Sunday of December. Registration opens through the official website and requires advance lottery entry.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Guangzhou Marathon elevation profile?: The Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou Marathon route map?: This page includes a Guangzhou Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. Follows the Pearl River embankment, passes Haixinsha Island and the Canton Tower, and crosses the CBD.
How long is the Guangzhou Marathon?: The Guangzhou Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. From the Tianhe or Zhujiang New Town area to the Canton Tower festival zone.
What time does the Guangzhou Marathon start?: The 2026 Guangzhou Marathon starts at 7:30 am local time on Sunday, 6 December 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Where does the Guangzhou Marathon finish?: The finish is typically near the Canton Tower on the Pearl River waterfront — one of Guangzhou's most recognisable landmarks. Start locations vary; organisers confirm details before race day.
When is the Guangzhou Marathon?: The Guangzhou Marathon is held on the first Sunday of December. Registration opens through the official website and requires advance lottery entry.
Is the Guangzhou Marathon flat?: Yes. Guangzhou sits on the flat Pearl River Delta, and the marathon course has minimal elevation change. Warm December weather is the main environmental factor.
What landmarks are on the Guangzhou course?: The Canton Tower, Pearl River waterfront, Zhujiang New Town CBD, and Haixinsha Island are highlights of the route through China's southern commercial capital.
What is Guangzhou weather like in December?: December in Guangzhou is mild winter weather, often 15–22 °C (59–72 °F). Humidity remains noticeable, and conditions are comfortable for marathon running.

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

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Guangzhou.

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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.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

DongguanGuangdongChina· 52 km away

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The Dongguan Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 12k finishers each December on an urban road in Dongguan, China. Fast roads and warm winter weather make it a popular delta-season race. The route passes city parks, lakeside areas, and the broad boulevards of the Pearl River Delta manufacturing hub. The course is very flat throughout.

Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026

ZhuhaiGuangdongChina· 99 km away

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The Zhuhai Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 15k finishers each December on a scenic coastal road in Zhuhai, China. The long oceanfront mileage makes it one of China's most scenic coastal road marathons. The course passes the Lovers' Road seafront, island views, and sleek coastal skyline sections facing Macau. The course is very flat throughout.

Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026

ShenzhenGuangdongChina· 104 km away

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The Shenzhen Marathon is a World Athletics–listed mega-field city race drawing approximately 30k runners each early December through China's southern tech hub. The point-to-point course starts at the Civic Center in Futian, runs west along Shennan Avenue and the Shenzhen Bay waterfront, loops through Qianhai, and finishes at Haibin Square in Bao'an. Mild Guangdong winter weather and a largely flat urban-coastal profile make it a popular year-end destination race.

Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026

Hong KongHong KongChina· 129 km away

Hong Kong Marathon

The Hong Kong Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 15k finishers on an urban road in Hong Kong, China. The course starts and finishes in Tsim Sha Tsui. The route crosses Victoria Harbour via the Western Harbour Crossing or similar tunnel/bridge connections and passes Nathan Road, Hong Kong Island, and the waterfront. Mostly flat with climbs on harbour crossings.

Next race: Sunday, 17 January 2027

HaikouHainanChina· 456 km away

Haikou Marathon

The Haikou Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 12k finishers each January on a scenic coastal road in Haikou, China. It is one of China's most tropical full marathons and attracts winter travelers looking for warmth. The route passes palm-lined seaside roads, Haidian Island stretches, and open views over the Qiongzhou Strait. The course is very flat throughout.

Next race: Sunday, 3 January 2027

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