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Xiamen Marathon

January 10, 2027 · 7:30 AMXiamen, Fujian, China

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Race snapshot

Race Day

57°F

48–63°F · Feels cool

Total elevation gain

262ft

Relatively flat course · Net elevation change +0 ft

Participants

35K

World-class event

Crowd Rating

8/ 10

Excellent spectator turnout

Entry

Registration Closed

Marathon — Chinese Residents (Ballot)

CN¥200

Standard lottery entry for Chinese nationals and residents (including HK, Macau, Taiwan). Entry is not guaranteed; ballot results announced approximately 4 weeks after registration closes.

Official Website

Key Dates

1. Registration Opens (estimated)
  Sep 1, 2026
  Registration typically opens in mid-September each year. Exact date TBC for 2027 edition.
2. Registration Closes (estimated)
  Oct 1, 2026
  Registration typically closes in early October. Exact date TBC for 2027 edition.
3. Ballot Results (estimated)
  Oct 14, 2026
  Lottery results typically announced approximately 4 weeks after registration closes.
4. Race Day
  Jan 10, 2027
  Full marathon. Gun start from Xiamen International Convention and Exhibition Center.

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Marathons in Asia Flat Marathons in Asia Boston Qualifier Marathons in Asia Flat Marathons

The Lowdown

The Xiamen Marathon is one of Asia's premier road races and the first World Athletics Platinum Label marathon of the calendar year, held every January in the coastal city of Xiamen, Fujian Province. Founded in 2003, the race draws 35,000 participants along a scenic course that hugs the island's coastline for nearly the entire 42.195 km, passing beaches, parks, and sea-view boulevards. The course starts and finishes at the Xiamen International Convention and Exhibition Center and traces the iconic Huan Dao Lu coastal ring road, offering views of the Taiwan Strait, Gulangyu Island, and Baicheng Beach. The route is essentially flat with minimal elevation change, making it a fast course that has hosted numerous course records by elite Ethiopians and Kenyans. Entry is allocated by public lottery (ballot), with registration typically opening in September for the following January race.

2025 · Marathon

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Course Highlights: 01Xiamen International Convention and Exhibition Center (start/finish)
02Huan Dao Lu coastal ring road
03Baicheng Beach
04Gulangyu Island (visible offshore)
05Sea Garden (Haibinpark)
06Yanwu Bridge
07Lujiang Avenue and Xiamen Old Town waterfront
Time Limit: 6 hours
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: Public ballot (lottery) via official website www.xmim.org
Public ballot via WeChat mini-program (文广体育)
Specially invited elite athletes (complimentary entry)
Permanent bib holders (complimentary entry)
Eligibility: Minimum age 18 years on race day
Must have completed a marathon or half marathon within the past 2 years (self-declared)
Required Documents: Government-issued photo ID or passport
Race bib (collected at pre-race expo)
Cancellation & Refund Policy: Entry fees are generally non-refundable; review the official policy at www.xmim.org before registering

01: World Athletics Platinum Label — the first Platinum Label marathon of the calendar year
02: Founded in 2003; one of China's oldest major marathons
03: Course record (men): 2:06:06 — Dawit Wolde (ETH), 2025
04: Course record (women): 2:18:46 — Ruti Aga (ETH), 2025
05: Both 2026 champions were defending their titles: Ruti Aga (2:22:45) and Dawit Wolde (2:09:18)
06: Participant cap: 35,000 runners
07: Race is run on an essentially flat coastal course; estimated pace impact <0.5% vs flat
08: Title sponsor: Xiamen C&D Inc. (建发集团) — event may appear as 'C&D Xiamen Marathon' or 'Jianjian Xiamen Marathon'
09: AIMS member event

Questions about the Xiamen Marathon 2027

When is the Xiamen Marathon 2027?

Sunday, January 10, 2027.

Where is the Xiamen Marathon?

Xiamen, Fujian, China.

What time does the Xiamen Marathon start?

The race starts at 7:30 AM, local time.

What is the Xiamen Marathon time limit?

6 hours.

How do I enter the Xiamen Marathon 2027?

Registration is closed. Oct 14, 2026: Ballot Results (estimated). Oct 1, 2026: Registration Closes (estimated). Sep 1, 2026: Registration Opens (estimated). Ways in: Public ballot (lottery) via official website www.xmim.org; Public ballot via WeChat mini-program (文广体育); Specially invited elite athletes (complimentary entry); Permanent bib holders (complimentary entry).

What is the Xiamen Marathon elevation gain?

80 m (262 ft) of total elevation gain. Net elevation change: +0 m (0 ft). Relatively flat course.

What is the Xiamen Marathon course like?

It passes Xiamen International Convention and Exhibition Center (start/finish), Huan Dao Lu coastal ring road and Baicheng Beach. Course map

What is the weather like at the Xiamen Marathon?

Race-day temperatures are usually 9–17 °C (48–63 °F). Feels cool.

How many runners does the Xiamen Marathon have?

35,000 participants. World-class event.

Is the Xiamen Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes. This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event.

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, 57°F avg, marathon Training PacesTraining zones for marathon

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