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. Fujian riverfront sections, temple-city streets, and newer development boulevards benefit from south Fujian's gentle December weather on a largely flat course.
Zhangzhou Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Zhangzhou Marathon 2026 race day
The next Zhangzhou Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 6 December 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.
Zhangzhou Marathon course route
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.
Zhangzhou Marathon elevation profile
The Zhangzhou 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 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.
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 mostly flat with gentle undulations, 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 on zhangzhou.marathon.org.cn/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Zhangzhou Marathon start and finish?
- Starts and finishes in Zhangzhou's city district. Updated course maps are published at https://zhangzhou.marathon.org.cn/ each year.
- When is the Zhangzhou Marathon and how do I register?
- Zhangzhou Marathon is typically held in December. Registration opens through https://zhangzhou.marathon.org.cn/ and 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.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Zhangzhou.
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