Next race
Sunday, 18 October 2026
7:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Urban road
Elevation
Flat · 50 m gain
50 m climbing
Race profile
Overview
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.
Zhengzhou Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
- Typical participants
Approximately 25k finishers
- Weather
Course & terrain
Zhengzhou Marathon course
Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.
The Zhengzhou Marathon is an urban road that starts at Ruyi Lake in the Zhengdong New Area CBD and finishes in the city-centre festival zone near Erqi Square. The loop passes the Millennium Plaza, Longhu Wetland Park, and the Erqi Memorial Tower on wide urban boulevards. The flat profile keeps rhythm steady throughout, with only minor bridge ramps or short rises interrupting otherwise even pacing. Spectators gather at the start-finish festival and at organised cheer zones through the city centre and along the main boulevards.
Zhengzhou Marathon route map
The Zhengzhou Marathon course is flat over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 50 metres of climbing and 50 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
- Elevation
Registration
Zhengzhou Marathon entry requirements
The Zhengzhou Marathon takes place in mid-October, usually on the third Sunday of the month. Registration is handled through the official website and often requires a lottery given the large field.
Getting there
Zhengzhou Marathon travel
Airports closest to Zhengzhou for flight planning and race-week travel.
- Closest airport
Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO)
32 km / 20 mi
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Zhengzhou Marathon elevation profile?
- The Zhengzhou Marathon has 50 metres of total climbing and 50 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is flat, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
- Where can I find the Zhengzhou Marathon route map?
- This page includes a Zhengzhou Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. Passes the Millennium Plaza, Longhu Wetland Park, and the Erqi Memorial Tower on wide urban boulevards.
- How long is the Zhengzhou Marathon?
- The Zhengzhou Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts at Ruyi Lake in the Zhengdong New Area CBD and finishes in the city-centre festival zone near Erqi Square.
- What time does the Zhengzhou Marathon start?
- The 2026 Zhengzhou Marathon starts at 7:00 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 Zhengzhou Marathon start?
- The race typically starts in the Zhengdong New Area, Zhengzhou's modern CBD east of the city centre, and finishes near Erqi Square in downtown Zhengzhou. each year.
- When is the Zhengzhou Marathon held?
- The Zhengzhou Marathon takes place in mid-October, usually on the third Sunday of the month. Registration is handled through the official website and often requires a lottery given the large field.
- Is the Zhengzhou Marathon course flat?
- Yes. The route across the Yellow River plain is one of China's flatter major marathons, with only minor overpass ramps breaking the flat profile. It attracts runners chasing personal bests in cool October weather.
- What is the atmosphere like at the Zhengzhou Marathon?
- With roughly 36,000 finishers, the race has a festival-scale energy through Zhengdong New Area and the historic centre. Local crowds line Erqi Square and the CBD boulevards on race morning.
- What weather should I expect in Zhengzhou in October?
- October mornings in Zhengzhou are mild and dry, typically 12–20 °C (54–68 °F). Conditions are generally ideal for marathon running, though occasional haze can affect air quality.
Official resources
Zhengzhou Marathon links
Websites
Social Media
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
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Planning guides
Related guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
Flat vs Hilly Marathons
When a flat course helps your time, when hills are worth the view, and how to pick terrain that fits your training and goals.
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.