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Guangzhou Marathon

December 20, 2026 · 7:00 AMGuangzhou, Guangdong, China

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Race snapshot

Race Day

61°F

46–70°F · Feels cool

Total elevation gain

262ft

Relatively flat course · Net elevation change +0 ft

Participants

26K

Major marathon

Crowd Rating

8/ 10

Excellent spectator turnout

The Lowdown

The Guangzhou Marathon is an annual World Athletics Gold Label road race held each December in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. Founded in 2012, the event has grown into one of China's premier marathons, attracting approximately 26,000 runners and an elite international field. The course runs predominantly along the Pearl River, passing through Tianhe, Haizhu, Liwan, and Yuexiu districts, with Liede Bridge serving as the highest point and offering panoramic views of the river. The finish line is located at Haixinsha Island's Huacheng Square. The race is certified by the Chinese Athletics Association as a Gold Medal Race and has held World Athletics Gold Label status since 2018. Entry is by lottery when applications exceed the quota. The race is also recognized as one of the four inaugural China Marathon Majors since 2017.

Course Highlights: 01Pearl River (珠江) — course runs along both banks
02Liede Bridge (猎德大桥) — highest point of the course, panoramic river views
03Ersha Island (二沙岛)
04Haixinsha Island (海心沙岛) — finish area
05Huacheng Square (花城广场) — finish line
06Tianhe CBD skyline
Also on this race weekend: Half marathon
Time Limit: 6 hours 15 minutes
Boston Qualifier: This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.

Minimum Age: 18 years
Entry Methods: Lottery (primary method when applications exceed 26,000 quota)
Online registration via www.guangzhou-marathon.com
Registration window typically open approximately one week in late September
Eligibility: Minimum age 18 on race day
Must be in good health and able to complete the full marathon distance
Prior marathon completion certificate may be required for elite/seeded entry
Required Documents: Valid government-issued photo ID (Chinese residents: national ID; international runners: passport)
Race confirmation/bib pickup voucher
Cancellation & Refund Policy: Review official cancellation and refund policy on guangzhou-marathon.com before registering
Lottery entries are typically non-refundable once confirmed

01: World Athletics Gold Label Road Race since 2018
02: Chinese Athletics Association Gold Medal Race for six consecutive years since 2014
03: One of four China Marathon Majors inaugural events since 2017
04: AIMS certified course
05: Elite international field — past winners from Ethiopia and Kenya with winning times around 2:06
06: Approximately 26,000 total participants (marathon only; no half marathon offered)
07: Two start waves: A/B/C at 07:00, D/E/F at 07:20; course closes at 13:15/13:35 respectively
08: Title sponsor in 2025: GAC Toyota (广汽丰田); Bank of China is a key banking partner
09: Course is predominantly flat, ideal for fast times and personal bests

Prepare for This Race

Pace CalculatorPlan splits for marathon Race PredictorPredict your marathon time BQ CalculatorBQ-eligible course Fuel PlannerPlan nutrition for marathon, cool weather Difficulty Analyzer262ft gain, 61°F avg, marathon Training PacesTraining zones for marathon

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