Photo Weichao Deng / Unsplash
- Marathon
Beijing
Beijing Marathon
Flat and fast from Tian’anmen Square to the National Stadium.
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2027 edition
Next up
Race day
TBA
Date TBA · expected Oct 2027
- Distance
- Marathon
- Course
- Flat
- Climb
- 50 m
- Entry
- —
About
The race
The Beijing Marathon takes runners through the historic and modern heart of China’s capital, combining iconic landmarks with wide city boulevards. The race starts on the East Side Road of Tian’anmen Square at approximately 40 m elevation and finishes on Landscape Avenue near the National Stadium at around 45 m, creating a nearly flat course profile. From the start beside Tian’anmen Square, runners pass several of Beijing’s most famous cultural sites including the National Centre for the Performing Arts, the Military Museum, and the CCTV Tower before continuing toward the Summer Palace area. The final kilometres lead through the Olympic Park district, passing the National Aquatics Center and the National Speed Skating Oval before finishing near the Bird’s Nest National Stadium. According to the official course profile, the route remains very flat throughout with only gentle undulations and a total elevation difference of roughly 10 m, making it a fast and consistent course for pacing. The race typically takes place in autumn when running conditions in Beijing are cool and stable, with average temperatures around 10–18°C (50–64°F).
Before you go
Pro tips
Racing it
- 01
Bank on even splits
The course climbs only about 50 m in total with gentle undulations, so settle into an even pace early and hold it rather than saving energy for a climb that never comes.
From the elevation profile
- 02
Plan a point-to-point day
You start on the East Side Road of Tian'anmen Square and finish on Landscape Avenue by the National Stadium, so arrange transport to the start and a clear meeting point at the finish.
From the layout
- 03
Dress for a cool autumn run
Race day typically sits around 10-18°C, cool at the start and milder later, so wear a layer you can shed and don't overdress for the opening kilometres.
From the temperature
- 04
Use landmarks as checkpoints
The route passes the National Centre for the Performing Arts, the Military Museum and the CCTV Tower before the Summer Palace area, so break the marathon into these familiar markers.
From the description
- 05
Chase a fast time here
The start sits near 40 m and the finish near 45 m, a difference of roughly 10 m, making this a fast, consistent course if you're targeting a personal best.
From the elevation profile
In Beijing
Subway beats the closures
Central Beijing roads close for the marathon, so the subway is usually the simplest way for runners and spectators to move around on race day.
Watch from the boulevards
Spectators can line the wide avenues near Tian'anmen Square at the start and gather in the Olympic Park district to cheer runners toward the finish.
Walk it out afterwards
Beijing in autumn is mild and dry, so a gentle stroll through the hutongs or around the Summer Palace grounds is an easy way to loosen up after the race.
Written by AI from the course data and the race's description; city tips are general knowledge. Check race-day details with the organizer.
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