Overview
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.
Haikou Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Haikou Marathon 2027 race day
The next Haikou Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 3 January 2027 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.
Haikou Marathon course route
Starts and finishes on Haikou's tropical waterfront boulevards. The route passes palm-lined seaside roads, Haidian Island stretches, and open views over the Qiongzhou Strait. Humid sea-level miles favor conservative early pacing, with crowds along the palm-lined Corniche.
Haikou Marathon elevation profile
The Haikou 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 Haikou Marathon uses a lottery or ballot through haikou.marathon.org.cn, with registration windows that typically open several months before the January 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Haikou Marathon elevation profile?
- The Haikou 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 Haikou Marathon?
- The Haikou Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Coastal course starting and finishing on Haikou's tropical waterfront boulevards.
- What time does the Haikou Marathon start?
- The 2027 Haikou Marathon starts at 8:00 am local time on Sunday, 3 January 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on haikou.marathon.org.cn/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Haikou Marathon start and finish?
- Starts and finishes on Haikou's tropical waterfront boulevards. Updated course maps are published at https://haikou.marathon.org.cn/ each year.
- When is the Haikou Marathon and how do I register?
- Haikou Marathon is typically held in January. Registration opens through https://haikou.marathon.org.cn/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Haikou Marathon course flat?
- Yes. Haikou Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
- What landmarks does the Haikou Marathon pass?
- The route passes palm-lined seaside roads, Haidian Island stretches, and open views over the Qiongzhou Strait.
- What weather should runners expect at Haikou Marathon?
- Usually warm and humid with sea breeze and little risk of cold weather.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Haikou.
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