Next race
Sunday, 4 April 2027
8:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Urban road
Elevation
Flat · 50 m gain
50 m climbing
Race profile
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.
- Typical participants
Approximately 12k finishers
- Weather
Course & terrain
Shijiazhuang Marathon course
Course route details and elevation profile for race-week planning.
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. Very flat throughout. Very flat throughout.
The Shijiazhuang 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
Shijiazhuang Marathon 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.
Getting there
Shijiazhuang Marathon travel
Airports closest to Shijiazhuang for flight planning and race-week travel.
- Closest airport
Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport (SJW)
33 km / 20 mi
Common questions
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 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 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 each year.
- When is the Shijiazhuang Marathon and how do I register?
- Shijiazhuang Marathon is typically held in April. Registration opens 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.
Official resources
Shijiazhuang 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 Shijiazhuang.
Planning guides
Related guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
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.
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.
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.