The 2026 Guangzhou Marathon is scheduled to start with a gun salute on December 20, 2026 (Sunday), in Guangzhou. The event features two races: the marathon (42.195 kilometers) and the half marathon (21.0975 kilometers). The starting point is located at the South Square of Tianhe Sports Center, and the finish line for the full marathon is at Haixinsha in Huacheng Square. As the most influential marathon event in South China, the Guangzhou Marathon has developed into a cultural, commercial, tourism and sports event that integrates health for all, cultural development, sports industry, and leisure and tourism since its establishment in 2012. In 2026, the event continues to receive dual certifications as a World Athletics Gold Label event and a China Athletics Association A1 Class event. The organizing committee has meticulously optimized the classic "One River, Two Banks" race route layout.
Highlight 1: Aim for the Platinum Label and Grand Slam, Elevating the Event's Specifications to World-Class
The Guangzhou Municipal Government's "Guangzhou Sports Strong City Construction Plan (2024-2035)" clearly states that it will prioritize supporting the Guangzhou Marathon to be upgraded to a World Athletics Platinum Label event and a World Marathon Grand Slam series event. In 2026, the Guangzhou Marathon has been certified as a World Athletics Gold Label event and a China Athletics Association A1 Class event. From Gold Label to Platinum Label, from the top in China to the world's grand slam, the Guangzhou Marathon is steadily moving towards the highest level of global marathon events. This is not only the ambition of Guangzhou sports but also a precious opportunity for every runner to witness history.
Highlight 2: Classic "One River, Two Banks" Route, Final Destination Moved to Haixinsha Starlight Avenue
The 2026 Guangzhou Marathon follows the classic "One River, Two Banks" route. The organizing committee has meticulously optimized the route layout, allowing runners to run along the new route resembling the "Little Waist" shape, while enjoying the magnificent scenery of the Pearl River and the unique urban cultural charm of Guangzhou. Particularly noteworthy is that the finish line for the full marathon is moved to Haixinsha, where runners will make the final sprint on a straighter and wider Starlight Avenue. Starting from Tianhe Sports Center and crossing to Haixinsha for the finish line, the 21.0975 kilometers and 42.195 kilometers of running connect the 2,000-year urban heritage of Guangzhou with its modern atmosphere.
Highlight 3: Dual Races of Full Marathon and Half Marathon, Thousands of Runners Gathering for the Flower City's Invitation
In 2026, the Guangzhou Marathon features two races: the marathon and the half marathon. The event follows the competition rules of the China Athletics Association and uses a one-gun start method. As the most influential marathon event in South China, the Guangzhou Marathon attracts tens of thousands of runners every year. The parallel setting of the full marathon and half marathon caters to the challenge needs of elite runners for their own limits while also providing opportunities for more mass runners to participate in top-level events, allowing runners of different levels to find their own running stage in Guangzhou, the Flower City.
Highlight 4: Passionate Start on the Winter Solstice, A Running Feast in the Warm Winter of the Flower City
The 2026 Guangzhou Marathon is scheduled for December 20, coinciding with the Winter Solstice. While most regions in the country are entering winter, Guangzhou remains warm like spring, providing runners with an excellent winter running environment. As one of the most influential marathons in South China, the Guangzhou Marathon is an important event at the end of the year for Chinese marathons. Runners can experience the festive atmosphere of the Winter Solstice while running and appreciate the unique Lingnan style and urban warmth of the "Thousand-Year Flower City" while running. Running the Guangzhou Marathon on the Winter Solstice has become an indispensable ritual on the annual running calendar for many runners.
Caveats
Download: 2026 Guangzhou Marathon Official Competition Regulations (English)
Please download and carefully read the attached 2026 Guangzhou Marathon Competition Regulations (English version). This document contains the complete set of rules, including but not limited to eligibility, race day procedures, time limits, aid stations, medical support, and code of conduct.
Your participation is subject to full compliance with these regulations. By registering, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted all provisions.
Click the link below to access the PDF. Keep it handy for reference. For any inquiries, please contact us via the information provided on this page.
