Guangzhou Marathon
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.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Major marathon
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Excellent spectator turnout
Pearl River (珠江) — course runs along both banks
Liede Bridge (猎德大桥) — highest point of the course, panoramic river views
Ersha Island (二沙岛)
Haixinsha Island (海心沙岛) — finish area
Huacheng Square (花城广场) — finish line
Tianhe CBD skyline
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
CN
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
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
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
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Review official cancellation and refund policy on guangzhou-marathon.com before registering
Lottery entries are typically non-refundable once confirmed
World Athletics Gold Label Road Race since 2018
Chinese Athletics Association Gold Medal Race for six consecutive years since 2014
One of four China Marathon Majors inaugural events since 2017
AIMS certified course
Elite international field — past winners from Ethiopia and Kenya with winning times around 2:06
Approximately 26,000 total participants (marathon only; no half marathon offered)
Two start waves: A/B/C at 07:00, D/E/F at 07:20; course closes at 13:15/13:35 respectively
Title sponsor in 2025: GAC Toyota (广汽丰田); Bank of China is a key banking partner
Course is predominantly flat, ideal for fast times and personal bests
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Community
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