The 2026 Shenzhen Marathon is scheduled to start with a gun salute on December 6, 2026 (Sunday), in Shenzhen. The event is organized by the Shenzhen Municipal Government and features a single event of the marathon (42.195 kilometers). The total number of participants is 30,000. The starting point is located at the Shenzhen People's Center, and the finish line is at the Baihai Square in Bao'an District.
This year's event is themed "New Era, New Shenzhen Marathon". As a World Athletics Federation Gold Label event and a China Athletics Association Class A-certified event, the Shenzhen Marathon has developed into a first-class and internationally renowned marathon brand since its establishment in 2013. In 2026, the Shenzhen Marathon will comprehensively upgrade its event preparation standards, enhancing the quality of the event from multiple dimensions such as event services, brand promotion, and runner experience. The event will utilize a digital twin system and a "5G + AI" smart shooting system. In the next three years, it aims to challenge the World Athletics Federation Platinum Label.
Highlight 1: World Athletics Federation Gold Label Certification, Striving for Platinum Label
The Shenzhen Marathon is a World Athletics Federation Gold Label event and a China Athletics Association Class A-certified event. Its score has consistently been above 90 points, making it one of the must-run events for runners every year. On this basis, the Shenzhen Marathon has clearly set the goal of challenging the World Athletics Federation Platinum Label for the next three years. Moving from Gold Label to Platinum Label, the Shenzhen Marathon is steadily advancing towards the highest殿堂 of marathon events globally. This is not only the ambition of Shenzhen sports but also a precious opportunity for every runner to witness history.
Highlight 2： "Mountain Sea Connected City" New Route， From Shenzhen People's Center to Qianhai Bay
The 2026 Shenzhen Marathon adopts a newly optimized "Mountain Sea Connected City" route. Runners start from the Shenzhen People's Center， run along Shennan Avenue through the skyscraper clusters in Futian Central District， go south via Shahe West Road to Shenzhen Bay Park， feel the sea breeze on the coastal promenade， then return via Shennan Avenue westward into Bao'an Avenue， and finally complete the race at the seaside square in Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Cooperation Zone. A 42.195-kilometer run， from the city's CBD to the Shenzhen Bay shore， from the Qianhai Free Trade Zone to the core of the bay， connects the development history of Shenzhen's Special Economic Zone over the past 40 years and the unique urban landscape of "Mountain Sea Connected City".
Highlight 3： Only Full Marathon Event， Elite and Mass Runners Compete on the Same Stage
The 2026 Shenzhen Marathon only features the full marathon event， with a total participation of 30，000 people. The event quotas are divided into elite runners and mass runners. Elite runners adopt a combination of targeted invitation and direct access model - runners who have participated in at least 8 offline Shenzhen Marathons and completed the race can directly participate； elite runners with qualified results will be limited to 3，000 and directly obtain qualification， with excess places determined by lottery. The single event of the full marathon and the participation of 30，000 people on the same stage ensure the competitive level of elite runners while also providing top-level participation experience for mass runners.
As a marathon event in the "China's Technology Capital"， the 2026 Shenzhen Marathon continues to lead the industry in smart services. The event uses a digital twin system for course display， virtual city promotion， and runner services； the entire event adopts a "5G + AI" smart shooting system， capturing the images of runners at multiple intelligent points， and generating exclusive sports videos after the event. During the event， a "Full City Run打卡 Season" warm-up activity is launched from June to December， spanning seven months， with different themed activities launched each month， and completing the will give the opportunity to win a direct access quota. From the digital twin course experience before the race to the AI image capture during the race and the online interaction throughout the year， "Shenzhen Marathon+" is redefining the marathon participation experience with cutting-edge technology.
Caveats
Download: 2026 Shenzhen Marathon Official Competition Regulations (English)
Please download and carefully read the attached 2026 Shenzhen 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.
