Next race
Sunday, 6 December 2026
8:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Urban road
Elevation
Rolling · 100 m gain
100 m climbing
Race profile
Overview
The Zhangzhou Marathon draws approximately 8,000 finishers each December on an urban road in Zhangzhou, China. It benefits from south Fujian's reliably gentle winter weather. The course passes Fujian riverfront sections, temple-city streets, and newer development boulevards. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Zhangzhou Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
- Typical participants
Approximately 8,000 finishers
- Weather
Course & terrain
Zhangzhou Marathon course
Course route details and elevation profile for race-week planning.
Starts and finishes in Zhangzhou's city district. The course passes Fujian riverfront sections, temple-city streets, and newer development boulevards. Mostly flat with gentle undulations. Very flat throughout.
The Zhangzhou 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. 14 m above sea level
↑ 100 m · ↓ 95 m · net +5 m
Registration
Zhangzhou Marathon entry requirements
The Zhangzhou Marathon uses a lottery or ballot through zhangzhou.marathon.org.cn, with registration windows that typically open several months before the December race. Domestic applicants register via the official marathon.org.cn portal and demand routinely exceeds the mass-participation cap of roughly 8k runners. International runners must monitor the official site for overseas entry channels and health-credential requirements, as places fill quickly once the window opens.
Getting there
Zhangzhou Marathon travel
Airports closest to Zhangzhou for flight planning and race-week travel.
- Closest airport
Xiamen (XMN)
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport
48 km / 30 mi
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Zhangzhou Marathon elevation profile?
- The Zhangzhou 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 Zhangzhou Marathon?
- The Zhangzhou Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes in Zhangzhou's city district.
- What time does the Zhangzhou Marathon start?
- The 2026 Zhangzhou Marathon starts at 8:00 am local time on Sunday, 6 December 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Zhangzhou Marathon start and finish?
- Starts and finishes in Zhangzhou's city district. Updated each year.
- When is the Zhangzhou Marathon and how do I register?
- Zhangzhou Marathon is typically held in December. Registration opens may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Zhangzhou Marathon course flat?
- Yes. Zhangzhou Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
- What landmarks does the Zhangzhou Marathon pass?
- The course passes Fujian riverfront sections, temple-city streets, and newer development boulevards.
- What weather should runners expect at Zhangzhou Marathon?
- Usually mild and slightly humid with little cold and occasional overcast skies.
Official resources
Zhangzhou 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 Zhangzhou.
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 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.
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.