What is the Qingdao Marathon elevation profile?

The Qingdao 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 Qingdao Marathon?

The Qingdao Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Coastal course starts and finishes near May Fourth Square on Qingdao's waterfront.

Is the Qingdao Marathon flat?

Yes. The Qingdao Marathon is mostly flat with gentle undulations with 100 metres of total climbing over 42.195 km (26.2 miles) — a profile that suits runners chasing personal bests or Boston qualifying times.

What time does the Qingdao Marathon start?

The 2027 Qingdao Marathon starts at 7:30 am local time on Sunday, 18 April 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.qingdao-marathon.org/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.

Where does the Qingdao Marathon start?

The race starts and finishes near May Fourth Square on Qingdao's waterfront. The coastal loop passes the Olympic sailing centre and Zhanqiao pier. Maps are at https://www.qingdao-marathon.org/.

Is the Qingdao Marathon a coastal course?

Yes. Much of the route follows Qingdao's waterfront and the Olympic sailing venue from the 2008 Games, with Yellow Sea views and colonial-era architecture along the coast.

What is Qingdao famous for?

Qingdao is home to Tsingtao beer and German colonial architecture. The marathon showcases the city's unique blend of European heritage and modern Chinese coastal development.

What weather should I expect in Qingdao in April?

April in Qingdao is cool spring weather, often 10–16 °C (50–61 °F) with sea breezes. Fog and wind off the Yellow Sea are possible — bring a light layer.

Qingdao Marathon

Qingdao, Shandong, China

Overview

The Qingdao Marathon attracts approximately 25k finishers each April along the Yellow Sea coast of Shandong's beer-city port. The course passes the May Fourth Square, the Zhanqiao pier, and the Olympic sailing centre with views of the red-roofed colonial architecture that defines Qingdao's waterfront. April sea breezes and a flat coastal loop make it one of northern China's most scenic spring marathons.

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

Qingdao Marathon 2027 race day

The next Qingdao Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 18 April 2027 with a 7:30 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.

Qingdao Marathon course route

The Qingdao Marathon is a scenic coastal road that starts and finishes near May Fourth Square on Qingdao's waterfront. The loop follows the coastal Binhai road past the Olympic sailing centre, Zhanqiao pier, and Badaguan scenic area. 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.

Qingdao Marathon elevation profile

The Qingdao 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 Qingdao Marathon is held in April, typically on the third Sunday. Registration opens through the official website.

Qingdao Marathon course video

Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.

Guide you to Qingdao west coast half marathon! 黑猫带你探路青岛西海岸半程马拉松

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Qingdao Marathon elevation profile?: The Qingdao 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 Qingdao Marathon?: The Qingdao Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Coastal course starts and finishes near May Fourth Square on Qingdao's waterfront.
Is the Qingdao Marathon flat?: Yes. The Qingdao Marathon is mostly flat with gentle undulations with 100 metres of total climbing over 42.195 km (26.2 miles) — a profile that suits runners chasing personal bests or Boston qualifying times.
What time does the Qingdao Marathon start?: The 2027 Qingdao Marathon starts at 7:30 am local time on Sunday, 18 April 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.qingdao-marathon.org/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Where does the Qingdao Marathon start?: The race starts and finishes near May Fourth Square on Qingdao's waterfront. The coastal loop passes the Olympic sailing centre and Zhanqiao pier. Maps are at https://www.qingdao-marathon.org/.
When is the Qingdao Marathon?: The Qingdao Marathon is held in April, typically on the third Sunday. Registration opens through the official website.
Is the Qingdao Marathon a coastal course?: Yes. Much of the route follows Qingdao's waterfront and the Olympic sailing venue from the 2008 Games, with Yellow Sea views and colonial-era architecture along the coast.
What is Qingdao famous for?: Qingdao is home to Tsingtao beer and German colonial architecture. The marathon showcases the city's unique blend of European heritage and modern Chinese coastal development.
What weather should I expect in Qingdao in April?: April in Qingdao is cool spring weather, often 10–16 °C (50–61 °F) with sea breezes. Fog and wind off the Yellow Sea are possible — bring a light layer.

Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Qingdao.

Weifang, Shandong, China· 135 km away

Weifang Marathon

The Weifang Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each May on an urban road in Weifang, China. Weifang's identity as China's kite capital gives the race a distinctive local brand. The course passes kite-city landmarks, parks, and flat roads on the Shandong plain. The course is very flat throughout.

Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027

Yantai, Shandong, China· 183 km away

Yantai Marathon

The Yantai Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each October on a scenic coastal road in Yantai, China. Ocean scenery gives it a more open feel than many inland Chinese marathons. The route passes Yellow Sea shoreline sections, seaside parks, and harbor districts along the Shandong coast. Yellow Sea shoreline sections, seaside parks, and harbor districts along the Shandong coast keep the ocean in view on an open, largely flat October route.

Next race: Sunday, 4 October 2026

Linyi, Shandong, China· 215 km away

Linyi Marathon

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.

Next race: Sunday, 4 October 2026

Zaozhuang, Shandong, China· 289 km away

Zaozhuang Marathon

The Zaozhuang Marathon draws approximately 8,000 finishers each April on an urban road in Zaozhuang, China. It sits below the national headline races but still draws a substantial regional field. The route passes canal-city roads, civic parks, and open boulevard sections in southern Shandong. Canal-city roads, civic parks, and open boulevard sections in southern Shandong carry a substantial regional April field across a mostly level urban loop.

Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027

Huai'an, Jiangsu, China· 302 km away

Huai'an Marathon

The Huai'an Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each April on an urban road in Huai'an, China. Its flatness is the course's defining feature rather than headline landmarks. The route passes canal-city roads, parkland, and straight Jiangsu sections ideal for steady rhythm. The course is very flat throughout.