Marathon Focus
Wenzhou Marathon

Wenzhou Marathon

Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China

Overview

The Wenzhou Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 12k finishers each December on an urban road in Wenzhou, China. Its combination of river scenery and warm winter timing suits southeast-coast marathoners. The route passes the Ou River, modern financial districts, and bridges linking the city's river islands. The Ou River, modern financial districts, and bridges linking river islands define a warm December southeast-coast course with only minor grade changes.

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

Wenzhou Marathon 2026 race day

The next Wenzhou Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 6 December 2026 with a 8:00 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.

Wenzhou Marathon course route

Starts and finishes on Wenzhou's central race boulevards. The route passes the Ou River, modern financial districts, and bridges linking the city's river islands. Mostly flat with gentle undulations. Very flat throughout.

Wenzhou Marathon elevation profile

The Wenzhou 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 Wenzhou Marathon uses a lottery or ballot through wenzhou.marathon.org.cn, with registration windows that typically open several months before the December 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 Wenzhou Marathon elevation profile?
The Wenzhou 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 Wenzhou Marathon?
The Wenzhou Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes on Wenzhou's central race boulevards.
What time does the Wenzhou Marathon start?
The 2026 Wenzhou Marathon starts at 8:00 am local time on Sunday, 6 December 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on wenzhou.marathon.org.cn/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Where does the Wenzhou Marathon start and finish?
Starts and finishes on Wenzhou's central race boulevards. Updated course maps are published at https://wenzhou.marathon.org.cn/ each year.
When is the Wenzhou Marathon and how do I register?
Wenzhou Marathon is typically held in December. Registration opens through https://wenzhou.marathon.org.cn/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
Is the Wenzhou Marathon course flat?
Yes. Wenzhou Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
What landmarks does the Wenzhou Marathon pass?
The route passes the Ou River, modern financial districts, and bridges linking the city's river islands.
What weather should runners expect at Wenzhou Marathon?
Usually mild and humid with cloudy skies possible and minimal cold.

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

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