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.
Jinan Marathon 2027 race day
The next Jinan Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 25 April 2027 with a 7:30 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 50 m of climbing on a very flat layout.
Jinan Marathon course route
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 elevation profile
The Jinan 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 Jinan Marathon is held in April, typically on the fourth Sunday. Registration details are at http://jinanmarathon.subaoxw.com/.
Jinan Marathon course video
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
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 very flat, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
- 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 on jinanmarathon.subaoxw.com/ 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 details are at http://jinanmarathon.subaoxw.com/.
- 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.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Jinan.
Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China· 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
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