Yantai Marathon

Yantai Marathon

Yantai, Shandong, China

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. Yellow Sea shoreline sections, seaside parks, and harbor districts along the Shandong coast keep the ocean in view on an open, largely flat October route.

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

Yantai Marathon 2026 race day

The next Yantai 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.

Yantai Marathon course route

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.

Yantai Marathon elevation profile

The Yantai 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 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.

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 mostly flat with gentle undulations, 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 8:00 am local time on Sunday, 4 October 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on yantai.marathon.org.cn/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Where does the Yantai Marathon start and finish?
Starts and finishes on Yantai's waterfront roads. Updated course maps are published at https://yantai.marathon.org.cn/ each year.
When is the Yantai Marathon and how do I register?
Yantai Marathon is typically held in October. Registration opens through https://yantai.marathon.org.cn/ and 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 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

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