Next race
Sunday, 3 January 2027
7:30 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Scenic coastal road
Elevation
Rolling · 100 m gain
100 m climbing
Race profile
Overview
The Xiamen International Marathon is one of China's premier road races, drawing approximately 23k finishers along a coastal loop that highlights the city's subtropical waterfront and modern skyline. Runners cross the Xiamen Bridge with views toward Gulangyu Island and follow the ring road past convention centres and beach promenades. The January race date and mild Fujian winter weather make it a popular destination for domestic and international runners chasing fast times on a largely flat course.
Xiamen International Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
- Typical participants
Approximately 23k finishers
- Weather
- Course records
- Men: 2:06:06 — Dawit Wolde (2025)Women: 2:18:46 — Ruti Aga (2025)
Course & terrain
Xiamen International Marathon course
Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.
The Xiamen International Marathon is a coastal island loop starting and finishing at the Xiamen International Conference and Exhibition Center, crossing toward Haicang and following the ring road with Gulangyu Island and Taiwan Strait views. The coastal flats are the easiest because they stay mostly level beside the water, while the bridge approaches and exposed ring-road straights are tougher when sea wind builds. Crowd support is strongest at the conference center start-finish, along the coastal ring road, and near the bridge crossings.
Xiamen International Marathon route map
The Xiamen International Marathon course is rolling 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.
- Elevation
Rolling · 100 m gain — approx. 12 m above sea level
↑ 100 m · ↓ 95 m · net +5 m
Registration
Xiamen International Marathon entry requirements
The Xiamen International Marathon is held in early January. Registration opens through https://www.xmim.org/, typically several months before race day. International runners should confirm passport and visa requirements for entry into China.
Getting there
Xiamen International Marathon travel
Airports closest to Xiamen for flight planning and race-week travel.
- Closest airport
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN)
8 km / 5 mi
Race footage
Xiamen International Marathon videos
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
2021 Xiamen Marathon Course Map
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Xiamen International Marathon elevation profile?
- The Xiamen International Marathon has 100 metres of total climbing and 95 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.
- Where can I find the Xiamen International Marathon route map?
- This page includes a Xiamen International Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. Crosses the Xiamen Bridge toward Haicang, follows the coastal ring road with views of Gulangyu Island and the Taiwan Strait, and passes the city's modern CBD before returning to the waterfront finish.
- How long is the Xiamen International Marathon?
- The Xiamen International Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Coastal course starting and finishing in the Xiamen International Conference & Exhibition Center area on the island's east coast.
- What time does the Xiamen International Marathon start?
- The 2027 Xiamen International Marathon starts at 7:30 am local time on Sunday, 3 January 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- What is the Xiamen International Marathon course route?
- The race starts and finishes near the Xiamen International Conference & Exhibition Center on the east coast. Runners complete a loop that crosses the Xiamen Bridge, follows the ring road along the waterfront with views toward Gulangyu Island, and returns through the city's modern districts. The course is largely flat and designed for fast running.
- When is the Xiamen Marathon and how do I register?
- The Xiamen International Marathon is held in early January., typically several months before race day. International runners should confirm passport and visa requirements for entry into China.
- Is the Xiamen Marathon course flat?
- Yes. The coastal loop has only minor climbs on bridge approaches and overpasses. Total elevation gain is modest, making Xiamen one of the faster major marathons in East Asia when conditions are cool and dry.
- What makes the Xiamen Marathon unique?
- The race combines a large domestic field with a scenic island course that crosses the Xiamen Bridge and runs along the Taiwan Strait waterfront. Gulangyu Island views and the city's blend of colonial architecture and modern towers give the race a distinctive coastal character rare among Chinese city marathons.
- What weather should runners expect in Xiamen in January?
- January in Xiamen is mild by northern-China standards, with typical race-morning temperatures around 10–16 °C (50–61 °F). Humidity can be noticeable and occasional light rain is possible. Layers for the early start are advisable.
Official resources
Xiamen International 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 Xiamen.
Planning guides
Related guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
Marathon Course Profiles Explained
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
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.
How to Choose a Marathon
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.