Next race
Sunday, 28 March 2027
7:30 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Urban coastal road
Elevation
Flat · 50 m gain
50 m climbing
Race profile
Overview
The Ningbo Marathon draws approximately 15k runners each March through Zhejiang's ancient port city on the East China Sea. The course passes Tianyi Pavilion — China's oldest private library — the Old Bund waterfront, and the Hangzhou Bay bridge approach area on a flat coastal loop. March's mild Zhejiang spring showcases Ningbo's maritime trading heritage.
Ningbo Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
- Typical participants
Approximately 15k finishers
- Weather
Course & terrain
Ningbo Marathon course
Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.
The Ningbo Marathon is an urban coastal road that starts and finishes at the Ningbo Olympic Sports Centre or Old Bund area. The loop passes Tianyi Pavilion, the Yong River, and the Old Bund waterfront with East China Sea approaches. The flat profile keeps rhythm steady throughout, with only minor bridge ramps or short rises interrupting otherwise even pacing. Spectators gather along the waterfront, at the start-finish festival, and at organised cheer stations on the most scenic coastal stretches.
Ningbo Marathon route map
The Ningbo Marathon course is 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.
- Elevation
Registration
Ningbo Marathon entry requirements
The Ningbo Marathon is held in March, typically on the fourth Sunday. Registration is at https://www.ningbo-marathon.com/.
Getting there
Ningbo Marathon travel
Airports closest to Ningbo for flight planning and race-week travel.
- Closest airport
Ningbo Lishe International Airport (NGB)
10 km / 6 mi
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Ningbo Marathon elevation profile?
- The Ningbo Marathon has 50 metres of total climbing and 50 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is flat, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
- Where can I find the Ningbo Marathon route map?
- This page includes a Ningbo Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. Passes Tianyi Pavilion, the Yong River, and the Old Bund waterfront with East China Sea approaches.
- How long is the Ningbo Marathon?
- The Ningbo Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Urban coastal road starting and finishing at the Ningbo Olympic Sports Centre or Old Bund area.
- What time does the Ningbo Marathon start?
- The 2027 Ningbo Marathon starts at 7:30 am local time on Sunday, 28 March 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- What historic sites does the Ningbo Marathon pass?
- The course passes Tianyi Pavilion (China's oldest surviving private library), the Old Bund waterfront, and the Yong River corridor through the ancient port city.
- When is the Ningbo Marathon?
- The Ningbo Marathon is held in March, typically on the fourth Sunday.
- Is the Ningbo Marathon flat?
- Yes. Ningbo's coastal plain course is flat with only minor bridge ramps along the Yong River.
- What is the Ningbo Old Bund?
- The Old Bund is Ningbo's historic waterfront district predating Shanghai's Bund, with colonial-era architecture reflecting the city's maritime trading past.
- What is Ningbo weather like in March?
- March in Ningbo is cool spring weather, often 10–16 °C (50–61 °F) with sea breezes from the East China Sea.
Official resources
Ningbo Marathon links
Websites
Social Media
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
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Planning guides
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