Next race
Sunday, 25 April 2027
7:30 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Historic urban road
Elevation
Flat · 50 m gain
50 m climbing
Race profile
Overview
The Jinan Marathon attracts approximately 20k finishers each April through the 'City of Springs' in Shandong province. The course passes Baotu Spring, Daming Lake, and the Thousand Buddha Mountain foothills on a flat loop through the provincial capital. April's mild Shandong spring and the famous spring-water culture give the race a distinctive northern-China character.
Jinan Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
- Typical participants
Approximately 20k finishers
- Weather
Course & terrain
Jinan Marathon course
Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.
The Jinan Marathon is a historic urban road that starts and finishes near Daming Lake in central Jinan. The loop passes Baotu Spring, the Quancheng Square area, and the Qianfoshan (Thousand Buddha Mountain) foothills. The flat profile keeps rhythm steady throughout, with only minor bridge ramps or short rises interrupting otherwise even pacing. Crowd support is strongest around the historic start-finish hub and along the landmark districts that define the city's character.
Jinan Marathon route map
The Jinan 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
Jinan Marathon entry requirements
The Jinan Marathon is held in April, typically on the fourth Sunday. Registration details are at http://jinanmarathon.subaoxw.com/.
Getting there
Jinan Marathon travel
Airports closest to Jinan for flight planning and race-week travel.
- Closest airport
Jinan (Licheng) (TNA)
Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport
29 km / 18 mi
Race footage
Jinan Marathon videos
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Runners Galore, Rewards Galore! Highlights from the 2025 Jinan Marathon Press Conference
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Jinan Marathon elevation profile?
- The Jinan 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 Jinan Marathon route map?
- This page includes a Jinan Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. Passes Baotu Spring, the Quancheng Square area, and the Qianfoshan (Thousand Buddha Mountain) foothills.
- How long is the Jinan Marathon?
- The Jinan Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Historic course starts and finishes near Daming Lake in central Jinan.
- What time does the Jinan Marathon start?
- The 2027 Jinan Marathon starts at 7:30 am local time on Sunday, 25 April 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Why is Jinan called the City of Springs?
- Jinan has 72 famous natural springs, including Baotu Spring, which the marathon passes. The springs are a UNESCO-worthy cultural feature unique among Chinese marathon cities.
- When is the Jinan Marathon?
- The Jinan Marathon is held in April, typically on the fourth Sunday. Registration typically opens in the months before race day.
- Where does the Jinan Marathon start?
- The race starts and finishes near Daming Lake, Jinan's central scenic lake, and loops through the historic spring district.
- Is the Jinan Marathon flat?
- Yes. The course stays on the flat Jinan basin floor around Daming Lake and the spring district. Thousand Buddha Mountain is nearby but not climbed on the marathon route.
- What is Jinan weather like in April?
- April in Jinan is mild spring weather, often 12–20 °C (54–68 °F). Pollen from spring blossoms can be noticeable along the lake sections.
Official resources
Jinan 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 Jinan.
ShijiazhuangHebeiChina· 270 km away
Shijiazhuang Marathon
The Shijiazhuang Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 12k finishers each April on an urban road in Shijiazhuang, China. Its straightforward flat layout gives runners few terrain surprises. The route passes broad Hebei boulevards, civic plazas, and city parks built on the North China Plain. The course is very flat throughout.
Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027
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 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.
How to Choose a Marathon
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.