Yantai Marathon

YantaiShandongChina

Next race

Sunday, 1 November 2026

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 Yantai Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each October on a scenic coastal road in Yantai, China. Ocean scenery gives it a more open feel than many inland Chinese marathons. The route passes Yellow Sea shoreline sections, seaside parks, and harbor districts along the Shandong coast. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

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

Typical participants: Approximately 10k finishers

Weather: Mild and humid autumn
17–21°C · humidity 60–80%
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Course & terrain

Yantai Marathon course

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

Starts and finishes on Yantai's waterfront roads. The route passes Yellow Sea shoreline sections, seaside parks, and harbor districts along the Shandong coast. Mostly flat with gentle undulations. Very flat throughout.

Registration

Yantai Marathon entry requirements

The Yantai Marathon uses a lottery or ballot through yantai.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 10k 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 Yantai Marathon elevation profile?: The Yantai 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 Yantai Marathon?: The Yantai Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Coastal course starting and finishing on Yantai's waterfront roads.
What time does the Yantai Marathon start?: The 2026 Yantai Marathon starts at 7:30 am local time on Sunday, 1 November 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Where does the Yantai Marathon start and finish?: Starts and finishes on Yantai's waterfront roads. Updated each year.
When is the Yantai Marathon and how do I register?: Yantai Marathon is typically held in October. Registration opens may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
Is the Yantai Marathon course flat?: Yes. Yantai Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
What landmarks does the Yantai Marathon pass?: The route passes Yellow Sea shoreline sections, seaside parks, and harbor districts along the Shandong coast.
What weather should runners expect at Yantai Marathon?: Usually cool with fresh sea air and autumn sunshine.

Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Yantai.

DalianLiaoningChina· 160 km away

Dalian Marathon

The Dalian Marathon brings approximately 30k finishers each May to the Liaodong Peninsula's most cosmopolitan port. The coastal loop passes Xinghai Square — one of Asia's largest city squares — the Dalian waterfront, and forested coastal roads with Yellow Sea views. May's mild Liaoning spring and fresh sea breezes make it one of northeast China's most popular marathons.

Next race: Sunday, 9 May 2027

QingdaoShandongChina· 183 km away

Qingdao Marathon

The Qingdao Marathon attracts approximately 25k finishers each April along the Yellow Sea coast of Shandong's beer-city port. The course passes the May Fourth Square, the Zhanqiao pier, and the Olympic sailing centre with views of the red-roofed colonial architecture that defines Qingdao's waterfront. April sea breezes and a flat coastal loop make it one of northern China's most scenic spring marathons.

Next race: Sunday, 18 April 2027

WeifangShandongChina· 224 km away

Weifang Marathon

The Weifang Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each May on an urban road in Weifang, China. Weifang's identity as China's kite capital gives the race a distinctive local brand. The course passes kite-city landmarks, parks, and flat roads on the Shandong plain. The course is very flat throughout.

Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027

TangshanHebeiChina· 372 km away

Tangshan Marathon

The Tangshan Marathon draws approximately 10k finishers each October on an urban road in Tangshan, China. The race is part of Tangshan's long civic rebuilding story after the 1976 earthquake. The course passes new-city boulevards, memorial spaces, and industrial-era redevelopment districts. The course is very flat throughout.

Next race: Sunday, 3 October 2027

LinyiShandongChina· 386 km away

Linyi Marathon

The Linyi Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 12k finishers each October on an urban road in Linyi, China. Its riverfront urban planning gives the course a spacious feel. The route passes the Yi River, new riverside districts, and broad roads in one of Shandong's largest inland cities. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

JinanShandongChina· 404 km away

Jinan Marathon

The Jinan Marathon attracts approximately 20k finishers each April through the 'City of Springs' in Shandong province. The course passes Baotu Spring, Daming Lake, and the Thousand Buddha Mountain foothills on a flat loop through the provincial capital. April's mild Shandong spring and the famous spring-water culture give the race a distinctive northern-China character.

Next race: Sunday, 25 April 2027

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Planning guides

Related guides

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

Yantai Marathon

Overview

Yantai Marathon course

Yantai Marathon entry requirements

Yantai Marathon travel

Frequently Asked Questions

Yantai Marathon links

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