Guilin Marathon 2026

The 2026 Guilin Marathon is a major autumn road race through the karst scenery and riverside streets of Guilin, Guangxi, on Sunday 15 November 2026. The official opening gun is scheduled for 07:00 China Standard Time (UTC+8). The event has 25,000 advertised places, split between the 42.195 km marathon (12,000) and 21.0975 km half marathon (13,000). There is no public 5K or 10K category in this main marathon programme.

Start, finish and route

Both distances begin at Guilin Central Square, in the city centre, and finish separately at Guilin Sports Center. They are point-to-point routes, so runners should plan transport from the finish rather than expect to return to the start. The course passes Zhongshan, Binjiang and other central streets, the Taohua River corridor, riverside sections and bridges. The full marathon extends through additional western and southern streets; the shorter race turns for the sports-centre finish sooner. Consult the final official map and road-closure notices before making transfers.

Check-in, course support and cut-offs

The organiser's 2026 competition rules specify 05:30-06:50 for race-day entry checks and corral assembly. Runners should reach their assigned zone early with their own valid race bib. Starting more than 15 minutes after the gun is not allowed. Split-gun arrangements may be updated in the final guide, and the published 07:00 overall start should not be interpreted as a separately verified flag-off for each category.

The marathon has a six-hour limit and the half marathon a three-hour limit, counted from the last gun for each category. Intermediate closures apply at marked checkpoints. Disposable chip timing uses mats at the start, every 5 km, key turns and the finish. Refreshment support includes water at regular intervals and food from 12.5 km, with potential extra cooling stations in warm conditions.

Official baggage drop runs 05:00-06:45 at the start. Bag collection closes at 10:30 for the half marathon and 13:30 for the full marathon. Use the organiser-issued numbered bag; do not leave valuables inside. The committee sets strict anti-shortcutting and bib-identification rules.

Registration and eligibility

The original application period closed at 18:00 on 15 October 2026, and the organiser scheduled its oversubscription ballot announcement for 20 October. These dates are verified from the 2026 official entry guide; no new public entry window has been confirmed. Entries and qualifying documentation were handled through First Race Track (第一赛道). Standard entry fees in the published race cards are CNY 160 for the half marathon and CNY 200 for the full marathon. Marathon participants must be at least 20, half-marathon participants at least 18, and qualifying performance evidence or an accepted organiser test is required. Bib transfers, substitute runners and unauthorised course entry are expressly prohibited.

Awards and participant safety

The published prize schedule awards men and women in the top eight of both races, with CNY 20,000 first prize for the marathon and CNY 5,000 for the half marathon. The top three overall places are determined by gun time, with fourth to eighth by net time; prizes are subject to 20% Chinese income tax, results review and applicable anti-doping rules. The organiser provides course medical services and event accident insurance, but runners should understand its coverage exclusions and prepare for a physically demanding road race.

Race-pack information and official updates

Race packs must be collected personally with the same identification used to enter; the organiser does not offer proxy pickup or delivery. The exact 2026 collection venue and hours have not yet been independently confirmed, so do not rely on a previous year's expo timetable. The organiser may adjust starting waves, aid stations or traffic controls.

Refer to the official 2026 competition rules and 2026 registration guide for the original Chinese details, and check the Guilin Marathon website for the final participant handbook.