
Overview
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.
Shijiazhuang Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Shijiazhuang Marathon 2027 race day
The next Shijiazhuang Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 4 April 2027 with a 8:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 50 m of climbing on a very flat layout.
Shijiazhuang Marathon course route
Starts and finishes in the provincial capital's central district. The route passes broad Hebei boulevards, civic plazas, and city parks built on the North China Plain. North China Plain boulevards invite metronomic pacing, with civic crowds at major plazas and the central finish.
Shijiazhuang Marathon elevation profile
The Shijiazhuang Marathon course is very 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.
Entry requirements
The Shijiazhuang Marathon uses a lottery or ballot through shijiazhuang.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 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 Shijiazhuang Marathon elevation profile?
- The Shijiazhuang Marathon has 50 metres of total climbing and 50 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is very flat, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
- How long is the Shijiazhuang Marathon?
- The Shijiazhuang Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes in the provincial capital's central district.
- What time does the Shijiazhuang Marathon start?
- The 2027 Shijiazhuang Marathon starts at 8:00 am local time on Sunday, 4 April 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on shijiazhuang.marathon.org.cn/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Shijiazhuang Marathon start and finish?
- Starts and finishes in the provincial capital's central district. Updated course maps are published at https://shijiazhuang.marathon.org.cn/ each year.
- When is the Shijiazhuang Marathon and how do I register?
- Shijiazhuang Marathon is typically held in April. Registration opens through https://shijiazhuang.marathon.org.cn/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Shijiazhuang Marathon course flat?
- Yes. Shijiazhuang Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
- What landmarks does the Shijiazhuang Marathon pass?
- The route passes broad Hebei boulevards, civic plazas, and city parks built on the North China Plain.
- What weather should runners expect at Shijiazhuang Marathon?
- Typically mild and dry with variable spring wind.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Shijiazhuang.




Related guides

Flat vs Hilly Marathons
When a flat course helps your time, when hills are worth the view, and how to pick terrain that fits your training and goals.
Read guide →
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.
Read guide →
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.
Read guide →
