Overview
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. The Yong River, subtropical greenery, and wide Guangxi capital roads make December's southern warmth an advantage on this mostly flat winter course.
Nanning Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Nanning Marathon 2026 race day
The next Nanning Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 6 December 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.
Nanning Marathon course route
Starts and finishes on Nanning's broad central boulevards. The course passes the Yong River, subtropical greenery, and wide roads through the Guangxi capital. Mostly flat with gentle undulations. Very flat throughout.
Nanning Marathon elevation profile
The Nanning 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 Nanning Marathon uses a lottery or ballot through nanning.marathon.org.cn, with registration windows that typically open several months before the December 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 Nanning Marathon elevation profile?
- The Nanning 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 Nanning Marathon?
- The Nanning Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes on Nanning's broad central boulevards.
- What time does the Nanning Marathon start?
- The 2026 Nanning Marathon starts at 8:00 am local time on Sunday, 6 December 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on nanning.marathon.org.cn/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Nanning Marathon start and finish?
- Starts and finishes on Nanning's broad central boulevards. Updated course maps are published at https://nanning.marathon.org.cn/ each year.
- When is the Nanning Marathon and how do I register?
- Nanning Marathon is typically held in December. Registration opens through https://nanning.marathon.org.cn/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Nanning Marathon course flat?
- Yes. Nanning Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
- What landmarks does the Nanning Marathon pass?
- The course passes the Yong River, subtropical greenery, and wide roads through the Guangxi capital.
- What weather should runners expect at Nanning Marathon?
- Typically mild and humid with soft winter temperatures and little cold risk.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Nanning.
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