Next race
Sunday, 3 January 2027
8:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Scenic coastal road
Elevation
Flat · 50 m gain
50 m climbing
Race profile
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.
- Typical participants
Approximately 12k finishers
- Weather
Course & terrain
Haikou Marathon course
Course route details and elevation profile for race-week planning.
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. Very flat throughout. Very flat throughout.
The Haikou 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
Haikou Marathon 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.
Getting there
Haikou Marathon travel
Airports closest to Haikou for flight planning and race-week travel.
- Closest airport
Haikou (Meilan) (HAK)
Haikou Meilan International Airport
16 km / 10 mi
Common questions
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 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 confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Haikou Marathon start and finish?
- Starts and finishes on Haikou's tropical waterfront boulevards. Updated each year.
- When is the Haikou Marathon and how do I register?
- Haikou Marathon is typically held in January. Registration opens 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.
Official resources
Haikou 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 Haikou.
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.