Next race
Sunday, 6 December 2026
7:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Urban coastal road
Elevation
Flat · 50 m gain
50 m climbing
Race profile
Overview
The Shenzhen Marathon is a World Athletics–listed mega-field city race drawing approximately 30k runners each early December through China's southern tech hub. The point-to-point course starts at the Civic Center in Futian, runs west along Shennan Avenue and the Shenzhen Bay waterfront, loops through Qianhai, and finishes at Haibin Square in Bao'an. Mild Guangdong winter weather and a largely flat urban-coastal profile make it a popular year-end destination race.
Shenzhen Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
- Typical participants
Approximately 30k finishers
- Weather
Course & terrain
Shenzhen Marathon course
The Shenzhen Marathon is a point-to-point urban coastal road from the Civic Center in Futian to Haibin Square in Bao'an. Runners follow Shennan Avenue west, turn toward Shenzhen Bay for an out-and-back on Wanghai Road at Shenzhen Bay Sports Park, continue west on Bao'an Avenue through Qianhai with a turnaround at Qianhai Stone Park, and finish via Haixiu Road at Bao'an Haibin Square. The flat profile suits even pacing on wide boulevards and waterfront sections.
The Shenzhen 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
Shenzhen Marathon entry requirements
The Shenzhen Marathon is held on the first Sunday of December with a 07:00 start. Registration opens through the official website and mararun registration portal and typically requires advance lottery entry for the 30,000-runner field.
Getting there
Shenzhen Marathon travel
- Closest airport
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX)
28 km / 17 mi
- Also nearby
Hong Kong (HKG)
Hong Kong International Airport
30 km / 18 mi
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Shenzhen Marathon elevation profile?
- The Shenzhen 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.
- How long is the Shenzhen Marathon?
- The Shenzhen Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Urban coastal road from Shenzhen Civic Center (Futian) to Bao'an Haibin Square.
- What time does the Shenzhen Marathon start?
- The 2026 Shenzhen Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Sunday, 6 December 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Shenzhen Marathon start and finish?
- The race starts at the Shenzhen Civic Center in Futian and finishes at Haibin Square in Bao'an, a point-to-point route across the city and waterfront.
- When is the Shenzhen Marathon?
- The Shenzhen Marathon is held on the first Sunday of December with a 07:00 start. Registration is through the official website and mararun portal, typically via lottery for the 30,000-runner field.
- Is the Shenzhen Marathon flat?
- Yes. The course is widely described as very flat urban and coastal road with minimal elevation change along Shennan Avenue, Shenzhen Bay, and Qianhai.
- What landmarks are on the Shenzhen course?
- Runners pass Futian CBD, Shenzhen Bay Sports Park, the Qianhai development zone, and the Bao'an waterfront finish at Haibin Square.
- What is Shenzhen weather like in December?
- December in Shenzhen is mild Guangdong winter weather, often around 15–19 °C (59–66 °F) with moderate humidity — comfortable for marathon running.
Official resources
Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen.
Planning guides
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