Chongqing

Racing it

1. 01

   Respect the 320 Metres

   The profile is hilly with 320 m of total climbing, so bank energy on the ups and let the downhills come to you. Don't chase flat-marathon splits on a mountain-city course.

   From the elevation profile

2. 02

   Cool March Start

   Race-day temperature typically sits around 14.2°C — cool enough that the first riverside kilometers can feel chilly. Plan layers you can shed once you're climbing and working.

   From the temperature

3. 03

   Two Rivers, Two Roads

   The course winds along the Nanbin and Babin roads on the banks of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers. Riverside stretches are open and exposed, so expect wind and sun where the banks run wide.

   From the description

4. 04

   Use the Cheer Stations

   Music and cheer stations line a course built for atmosphere, and the field is large. Ride the noise through the hard patches, but expect congestion early before the pack spreads out.

   From the description

5. 05

   One Distance, One Plan

   The marathon is the only distance on offer, so everyone around you is running your race. Settle into your own rhythm rather than matching whoever starts fastest.

   From the entry

In Chongqing

• Getting Around

  Chongqing is steep and layered, and race morning traffic on the river bridges is heavy. The metro is the reliable way to reach the start; expect stairs and slopes everywhere you walk.

• Where to Watch

  Spectators can line the riverside promenades the course follows, and the opposite bank gives long views across the water. Central districts around Jiefangbei and Chaotianmen are good for the rest of the day.

• After the Race

  Ease tired legs on flat riverside paths rather than the city's staircases, and take in the views where the Yangtze and Jialing meet. Chongqing's tea houses and hot springs are the classic recovery stop.