Kunming Marathon

KunmingYunnanChina

Next race

Sunday, 6 December 2026

8:00 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Lakeside scenic road

Elevation

Rolling · 100 m gain

100 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Kunming Marathon attracts approximately 15k finishers each December in Yunnan's 'Spring City' at roughly 1,900 m altitude. The course passes Dianchi Lake, the Western Hills, and the Green Lake Park district on a sunny plateau loop. December's mild highland winter — when northern China is freezing — makes Kunming one of China's most pleasant year-end marathons despite the altitude.

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

Typical participants: Approximately 15k finishers

Weather: Cool to mild and humid winter
10–12°C · humidity 70–80%
Marathon weather guide →

Course & terrain

Kunming Marathon course

Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.

The Kunming Marathon is a lakeside scenic road that starts and finishes near Dianchi Lake or the Kunming city centre. The loop follows Dianchi Lake shores, passes the Haigeng Dam, and crosses the Green Lake and Cuihu parklands. The flat profile keeps rhythm steady throughout, with only minor bridge ramps or short rises interrupting otherwise even pacing. Spectators line the lakeside promenades and the start-finish area, with the densest support where the course passes parks and scenic embankments.

Kunming Marathon route map

Registration

Kunming Marathon entry requirements

The Kunming Marathon is held in December, typically on the first Sunday. Registration is through http://www.sco-marathon.com/.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Kunming Marathon elevation profile?: The Kunming Marathon has 100 metres of total climbing and 95 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.
Where can I find the Kunming Marathon route map?: This page includes a Kunming Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. Follows Dianchi Lake shores, passes the Haigeng Dam, and crosses the Green Lake and Cuihu parklands.
How long is the Kunming Marathon?: The Kunming Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Lakeside scenic road starts and finishes near Dianchi Lake or the Kunming city centre.
What time does the Kunming Marathon start?: The 2026 Kunming Marathon starts at 8:00 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.
How does Kunming's altitude affect the marathon?: Kunming sits at roughly 1,900 m (6,200 ft). The flat course belies the thin air — pace conservatively and expect higher heart rates than at sea level.
When is the Kunming Marathon?: The Kunming Marathon is held in December, typically on the first Sunday.
Why is Kunming called the Spring City?: Kunming enjoys mild weather year-round due to its subtropical highland climate. December race temperatures are often 8–18 °C (46–64 °F) while much of China is in deep winter.
Does the Kunming Marathon pass Dianchi Lake?: Yes. The course follows Dianchi Lake, Yunnan's largest lake, with views of the Western Hills across the water.
Is the Kunming Marathon flat?: The lakeside course is largely flat with gentle undulations. Altitude, not hills, is the main physiological challenge.

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

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Kunming.

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The Chuxiong Marathon draws approximately 6,000 finishers each October on an urban road in Chuxiong, China. Its minority-culture setting makes it feel different from eastern Chinese city marathons. The course passes Yi cultural landmarks, plateau-city roads, and avenues framed by Yunnan hills. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Next race: Sunday, 1 August 2027

GuiyangGuizhouChina· 435 km away

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The Guiyang Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each June on an urban road in Guiyang, China. Its elevation and hillier topography set it apart from flatter eastern Chinese marathons. The route passes karst-hill city roads, riverfront sections, and neighborhoods shaped by Guizhou's rolling terrain. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Next race: Sunday, 6 June 2027

HanoiVietnam· 549 km away

Hanoi International Marathon

The Hanoi International Marathon draws approximately 3,000 finishers each October on an urban road in Hanoi, Vietnam. It has quickly become one of Vietnam's flagship full marathons in the north. The course passes West Lake approaches, broad boulevards, and modern sections of the capital. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 3 October 2027

NanningGuangxiChina· 620 km away

Nanning Marathon

The Nanning Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 12k finishers each December on an urban road in Nanning, China. Winter timing lets the race use southern China's warmth as an advantage instead of a heat penalty. The course passes the Yong River, subtropical greenery, and wide roads through the Guangxi capital. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026

ChongqingChongqingChina· 630 km away

Chongqing Marathon

The Chongqing Marathon draws approximately 25k runners each March through China's mountain megacity where the Yangtze and Jialing rivers meet. The course crosses river bridges, passes the Chaotianmen confluence, and climbs the city's famous terraced hillsides with skyline views of the '8D magic city.' March mist, humid river air, and rolling bridge-and-tunnel terrain make it one of China's most visually dramatic urban marathons.

Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027

ChengduSichuanChina· 640 km away

Chengdu Marathon

The Chengdu Marathon draws approximately 35k runners each autumn through Sichuan's relaxed capital, famous for pandas, hot pot, and teahouse culture. The course passes Tianfu Square, the Jinjiang River, and the Anshun Bridge with views toward the Qionglai mountains on clear days. October race weather in the Sichuan Basin is mild and overcast — ideal for a flat, fast urban loop.

Next race: Sunday, 25 October 2026

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Planning guides

Related guides

Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.

Kunming Marathon

Overview

Kunming Marathon course

Kunming Marathon route map

Kunming Marathon entry requirements

Kunming Marathon travel

Frequently Asked Questions

Kunming Marathon links

Websites

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