Overview
The Linyi Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 12k finishers each October on an urban road in Linyi, China. Its riverfront urban planning gives the course a spacious feel. The route passes the Yi River, new riverside districts, and broad roads in one of Shandong's largest inland cities. The Yi River, new riverside districts, and broad Shandong boulevards give one of the province's largest inland cities a spacious, largely level layout.
Linyi Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Linyi Marathon 2026 race day
The next Linyi Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 4 October 2026 with a 8:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 100 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.
Linyi Marathon course route
Starts and finishes in Linyi's city center. The route passes the Yi River, new riverside districts, and broad roads in one of Shandong's largest inland cities. Mostly flat with gentle undulations. Very flat throughout.
Linyi Marathon elevation profile
The Linyi Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 100 metres of climbing and 95 metres of descent, with a net climb of 5 metres from start to finish.
Entry requirements
The Linyi Marathon uses a lottery or ballot through linyi.marathon.org.cn, with registration windows that typically open several months before the October 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 Linyi Marathon elevation profile?
- The Linyi Marathon has 100 metres of total climbing and 95 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.
- How long is the Linyi Marathon?
- The Linyi Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes in Linyi's city center.
- What time does the Linyi Marathon start?
- The 2026 Linyi Marathon starts at 8:00 am local time on Sunday, 4 October 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on linyi.marathon.org.cn/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Linyi Marathon start and finish?
- Starts and finishes in Linyi's city center. Updated course maps are published at https://linyi.marathon.org.cn/ each year.
- When is the Linyi Marathon and how do I register?
- Linyi Marathon is typically held in October. Registration opens through https://linyi.marathon.org.cn/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Linyi Marathon course flat?
- Yes. Linyi Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
- What landmarks does the Linyi Marathon pass?
- The route passes the Yi River, new riverside districts, and broad roads in one of Shandong's largest inland cities.
- What weather should runners expect at Linyi Marathon?
- Typically cool with moderate humidity and stable autumn air.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Linyi.

Related guides

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.
Read guide →
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.
Read guide →
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.
Read guide →