Next race
Sunday, 19 September 2027
7:30 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Urban road
Elevation
Flat · 50 m gain
50 m climbing
Race profile
The Taiyuan Marathon draws approximately 18k marathon finishers each September through Shanxi province's capital in the Fen River valley. The course starts at May 1 Square (Wuyi Square) and finishes at the Jinyang Lake expo south gate, passing Yingze Street, Yingze Bridge, and Binhe West Road on wide northern-China boulevards. September's crisp Shanxi autumn and flat terrain attract runners from across north China.
Taiyuan Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Approximately 18k finishers
Course & terrain
The Taiyuan Marathon is an urban road that starts at May 1 Square (Wuyi Square) and finishes on Changxing North Street outside the south gate of the Jinyang Lake International Convention & Exhibition Center. Marathon and half-marathon runners follow different routes through landmark corridors including Yingze Street, Yingze Bridge, and Binhe West Road. The flat profile keeps rhythm steady throughout, with only minor bridge ramps or short rises interrupting otherwise even pacing. Spectators gather at the start in Wuyi Square and at the Jinyang Lake finish area.
The Taiyuan 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.
Registration
The Taiyuan Marathon is held in September, typically on the third Sunday. Registration opens through the official website.
Getting there
Taiyuan Wusu International Airport (TYN)
15 km / 9 mi
Common questions
Official resources
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Other races closest to Taiyuan.
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.
Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027
The Hohhot Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each May on an urban road in Hohhot, China. Altitude and dry air matter more here than hills do. The course passes Mongolian-style civic spaces, wide avenues, and open skies on the Inner Mongolian plateau. Thin air at altitude is the main pacing challenge despite a flat layout.
Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027
The Baotou Marathon draws approximately 8,000 finishers each June on an urban road in Baotou, China. Dry air and plateau exposure make the race feel tougher than the profile suggests. The course passes broad Inner Mongolian avenues, parks, and open industrial-city landscapes under huge skies. Thin air at altitude is the main pacing challenge despite a flat layout.
Next race: Sunday, 6 June 2027
Planning guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
When a flat course helps your time, when hills are worth the view, and how to pick terrain that fits your training and goals.
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.
