Next race
Sunday, 4 April 2027
8:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Historic urban road
Elevation
Rolling · 100 m gain
100 m climbing
Race profile
Overview
The Luoyang Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each April on a historic urban road in Luoyang, China. Its spring timing overlaps with Luoyang's famous peony season. The route passes peony-city boulevards, ancient-capital districts, and river sections tied to one of China's oldest cities. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Luoyang Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
- Typical participants
Approximately 10k finishers
- Weather
Course & terrain
Luoyang Marathon course
Starts and finishes in Luoyang's urban core. The route passes peony-city boulevards, ancient-capital districts, and river sections tied to one of China's oldest cities. Mostly flat with gentle undulations. Very flat throughout.
The Luoyang Marathon course is rolling 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.
- Elevation
Rolling · 100 m gain — approx. 128 m above sea level
↑ 100 m · ↓ 95 m · net +5 m
Registration
Luoyang Marathon entry requirements
The Luoyang Marathon uses a lottery or ballot through luoyang.marathon.org.cn, with registration windows that typically open several months before the April race. Domestic applicants register via the official marathon.org.cn portal and demand routinely exceeds the mass-participation cap of roughly 10k 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
Luoyang Marathon travel
- Closest airport
Luoyang (Laocheng) (LYA)
Luoyang Beijiao Airport
9 km / 5 mi
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Luoyang Marathon elevation profile?
- The Luoyang 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.
- How long is the Luoyang Marathon?
- The Luoyang Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Historic course starting and finishing in Luoyang's urban core.
- What time does the Luoyang Marathon start?
- The 2027 Luoyang Marathon starts at 8:00 am local time on Sunday, 4 April 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Luoyang Marathon start and finish?
- Starts and finishes in Luoyang's urban core. Updated each year.
- When is the Luoyang Marathon and how do I register?
- Luoyang Marathon is typically held in April. Registration opens may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Luoyang Marathon course flat?
- Yes. Luoyang Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
- What landmarks does the Luoyang Marathon pass?
- The route passes peony-city boulevards, ancient-capital districts, and river sections tied to one of China's oldest cities.
- What weather should runners expect at Luoyang Marathon?
- Typically mild with dry-to-moderate humidity and pleasant central-China spring weather.
Official resources
Luoyang 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 Luoyang.
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.

Marathon Course Profiles Explained
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.

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.






