Overview
The Xi'an Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 18k finishers each October on a historic urban road in Xi'an, China. It is one of the clearest examples of a Chinese marathon weaving imperial history into a modern mass race. The course passes the ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda district, and modern Qujiang avenues. The ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda district, and modern Qujiang avenues unfold on a fast imperial-history course with only minor elevation changes.
Xi'an Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Xi'an Marathon 2026 race day
The next Xi'an Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 4 October 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.
Xi'an Marathon course route
Starts and finishes on central Xi'an race boulevards. The course passes the ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda district, and modern Qujiang avenues. Mostly flat with gentle undulations. Very flat throughout.
Xi'an Marathon elevation profile
The Xi'an 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 Xi'an Marathon uses a lottery or ballot through xian.marathon.org.cn, with registration windows that typically open several months before the October race. Domestic applicants register via the official marathon.org.cn portal and demand routinely exceeds the mass-participation cap of roughly 18k 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 Xi'an Marathon elevation profile?
- The Xi'an 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 Xi'an Marathon?
- The Xi'an Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Historic course starting and finishing on central Xi'an race boulevards.
- What time does the Xi'an Marathon start?
- The 2026 Xi'an Marathon starts at 8:00 am local time on Sunday, 4 October 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on xian.marathon.org.cn/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Xi'an Marathon start and finish?
- Starts and finishes on central Xi'an race boulevards. Updated course maps are published at https://xian.marathon.org.cn/ each year.
- When is the Xi'an Marathon and how do I register?
- Xi'an Marathon is typically held in October. Registration opens through https://xian.marathon.org.cn/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Xi'an Marathon course flat?
- Yes. Xi'an Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
- What landmarks does the Xi'an Marathon pass?
- The course passes the ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda district, and modern Qujiang avenues.
- What weather should runners expect at Xi'an Marathon?
- Usually mild and dry with comfortable autumn air on the Guanzhong Plain.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Xi'an.
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 →