Beijing Marathon — Run Time

Beijing Marathon Countdown

192

Days

04

Hrs

12

Min

21

Sec

Next Race

October 18, 2026

193

days to go

The Beijing Marathon is one of Asia's most historic road races, passing through the heart of China's capital. The course starts at Tiananmen Square — the symbolic center of the nation — and runs westward along Chang'an Avenue before heading through the city's modern districts to finish at the Olympic Forest Park. Runners pass the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and the iconic Bird's Nest stadium, blending thousands of years of imperial history with 21st-century urban energy.

WA Gold Label

Est.

1981

Distance

42.195km / 26.2mi

Course

Point-to-point

Surface

Road

Elev. Gain

45m

Elev. Loss

50m

Field Size

~30,000

When

October

Time Limit

6.25h

THE COURSE

Gain

+45m

Loss

-50m

MI 0

KM 0

Tiananmen Square Start

The race begins at the vast Tiananmen Square, the symbolic heart of China. Runners set off beneath the giant portrait of Mao Zedong, with the Forbidden City's red walls and the Monument to the People's Heroes forming a dramatic backdrop.

ELEV: 45ft

MI 0

KM 0

Tiananmen Square Start

The race begins at the vast Tiananmen Square, the symbolic heart of China. Runners set off beneath the giant portrait of Mao Zedong, with the Forbidden City's red walls and the Monument to the People's Heroes forming a dramatic backdrop.

ELEV: 45ft

MI 3.1

KM 5

Chang'an Avenue

The course heads west along Chang'an Avenue, one of the widest and most storied boulevards in the world. The flat, wide road passes government buildings and the National Centre for the Performing Arts.

ELEV: 45ft

MI 3.1

KM 5

Chang'an Avenue

The course heads west along Chang'an Avenue, one of the widest and most storied boulevards in the world. The flat, wide road passes government buildings and the National Centre for the Performing Arts.

ELEV: 45ft

MI 12.4

KM 20

Haidian District

Runners enter the university district, home to Peking University and Tsinghua University. Students and residents line the streets with enthusiastic support, bringing youthful energy to the course.

ELEV: 50ft

MI 12.4

KM 20

Haidian District

Runners enter the university district, home to Peking University and Tsinghua University. Students and residents line the streets with enthusiastic support, bringing youthful energy to the course.

ELEV: 50ft

MI 21.7

KM 35

Olympic Green & Bird's Nest

The course passes the 2008 Olympic venues, including the iconic Bird's Nest National Stadium and the Water Cube. This stretch evokes memories of the Beijing Olympics and provides a powerful mid-race landmark.

ELEV: 48ft

MI 21.7

KM 35

Olympic Green & Bird's Nest

The course passes the 2008 Olympic venues, including the iconic Bird's Nest National Stadium and the Water Cube. This stretch evokes memories of the Beijing Olympics and provides a powerful mid-race landmark.

ELEV: 48ft

MI 26.2

KM 42.195

Olympic Forest Park Finish

The final miles wind into the lush Olympic Forest Park, offering a peaceful and scenic contrast to the urban course. The tree-lined paths lead to a fast, flat finish inside one of Beijing's largest green spaces.

ELEV: 45ft

MI 26.2

KM 42.195

Olympic Forest Park Finish

The final miles wind into the lush Olympic Forest Park, offering a peaceful and scenic contrast to the urban course. The tree-lined paths lead to a fast, flat finish inside one of Beijing's largest green spaces.

ELEV: 45ft