Beijing Marathon

The Beijing Marathon is China's original and most prestigious marathon, held annually since 1981 — the first international sporting event ever staged in China. Organized by the Chinese Athletics Association and co-organized by the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Sports, the race carries a World Athletics Gold Label. Entry is allocated exclusively by lottery, pioneering a system later adopted by many major marathons worldwide. The iconic point-to-point course departs from the east side of Tiananmen Square, traversing Dongcheng, Xicheng, Haidian, and Chaoyang districts before finishing at the Celebration Square in Beijing Olympic Park (Olympic Green). Runners pass the Forbidden City, the Bird's Nest (National Stadium), and the National Aquatics Center along a largely flat urban route through the heart of the capital. Race day in mid-to-late October typically brings cool, crisp autumn conditions — ideal for fast times. With approximately 32,000 participants and a 6-hour time limit, the race attracts both elite athletes and recreational runners from around the globe. A prior qualifying finish (marathon sub-6h or half-marathon sub-3h within the preceding two-plus years) is required to enter the lottery.