Xi'an Marathon

Xi'anShaanxiChina

Next race

Sunday, 18 October 2026

7:30 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Historic urban road

Elevation

Rolling · 100 m gain

100 m climbing

Race profile

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. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

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

Typical participants: Approximately 18k finishers

Weather: Mild and humid autumn
15–20°C · humidity 70–85%
Marathon weather guide →

Course & terrain

Xi'an Marathon course

Course route details and elevation profile for race-week planning.

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.

Registration

Xi'an Marathon 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.

Common questions

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 rolling, 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 7:30 am local time on Sunday, 18 October 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications 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 each year.
When is the Xi'an Marathon and how do I register?: Xi'an Marathon is typically held in October. Registration opens 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 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Xi'an.

LuoyangHenanChina· 325 km away

Luoyang Marathon

The Luoyang Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each April on a historic urban road in Luoyang, China. Its spring timing overlaps with Luoyang's famous peony season. The route passes peony-city boulevards, ancient-capital districts, and river sections tied to one of China's oldest cities. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027

ZhengzhouHenanChina· 436 km away

Zhengzhou Marathon

The Zhengzhou Marathon attracts approximately 25k finishers each October through Henan province's transport hub on the Yellow River. The course links the Zhengdong New Area CBD towers, Erqi Memorial Tower, and the Songshan foothills approach on wide Henan boulevards. October's mild central-China weather and a largely flat profile make it one of the country's fastest major mass-participation marathons.

Next race: Sunday, 18 October 2026

LanzhouGansuChina· 504 km away

Lanzhou Marathon

The Lanzhou Marathon is one of China's largest road races, drawing approximately 40k finishers along the Yellow River through Gansu's highland capital. Runners follow the riverside promenade past the Zhongshan Bridge, White Pagoda Mountain, and the iron bridge that symbolises Lanzhou's Silk Road heritage. The June race date and roughly 1,500 m elevation make it a distinctive western-China marathon where thin air and Yellow River views define the experience.

Next race: Sunday, 23 May 2027

TaiyuanShanxiChina· 517 km away

Taiyuan Marathon

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.

Next race: Sunday, 19 September 2027

YinchuanNingxiaChina· 525 km away

Yinchuan Marathon

The Yinchuan Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 12k finishers each May on an urban and riverside road in Yinchuan, China. Dry air and altitude define the race more than elevation changes do. The route passes canals, Helan Mountain views, and wide roads across the Ningxia plain. Thin air at altitude is the main pacing challenge despite a flat layout.

Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027

ChongqingChongqingChina· 568 km away

Chongqing Marathon

The Chongqing Marathon draws approximately 25k runners each March through China's mountain megacity where the Yangtze and Jialing rivers meet. The course crosses river bridges, passes the Chaotianmen confluence, and climbs the city's famous terraced hillsides with skyline views of the '8D magic city.' March mist, humid river air, and rolling bridge-and-tunnel terrain make it one of China's most visually dramatic urban marathons.

Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027

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Planning guides

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Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.

Xi'an Marathon

Overview

Xi'an Marathon course

Xi'an Marathon entry requirements

Xi'an Marathon travel

Frequently Asked Questions

Xi'an Marathon links

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