Beijing Marathon

In real life  Sunday, October 18, 2026 · Start 7:30 AM

Running since 1981, the race starts at Tiananmen Square and finishes at the Olympic Green.

The Beijing Marathon has been held every autumn since 1981, when the first race started from Tiananmen Square. The route has changed over the years but has run from Tiananmen Square to the Olympic Green since at least 2007. The 2026 race, which is also the national marathon championships, is on Sunday, October 18, starting at 7:30 a.m.

The event carries a World Athletics Gold Label and is a Boston qualifier. It is a full marathon only, with about 32,000 runners in 2026. For spectators it is a chance to see the city's landmark avenues given over to runners for a morning.

What to expect

• A start at Tiananmen Square and a finish at the Olympic Green
• A full marathon only (42.195 km), with about 32,000 runners
• A World Athletics-labelled course that counts as a Boston qualifier
• A route through central and northern Beijing

Tips for going

• Registration for 2026 closed on September 22, with a ballot for places. Check beijing-marathon.com for next year's entry rules, which require a recent marathon or half-marathon result.
• Spectators should expect road closures on race morning and use the subway.
• Autumn mornings in Beijing can be cool, so dress in layers.

Questions people ask

When is the 2026 race?

Sunday, October 18, 2026.

Where does it start and finish?

At Tiananmen Square, with the finish at the Olympic Green.

What distances are there?

Only the full marathon (42.195 km).

About The Great Wall

Mutianyu is a restored stretch of the Great Wall north-east of Beijing, with watchtowers strung along forested ridges.

Getting there: Mutianyu is about 70 km from central Beijing. A cable car and chairlift run up to the wall, and a toboggan runs back down.

More about The Great Wall and its 3D version →

Also in The Great Wall

Sources: www.finishers.com · en.wikipedia.org. Organizers change plans, so confirm before you go.