Shenzhen Marathon 2026

Shenzhen Marathon 2026 is the 12th edition of Shenzhen's flagship city marathon and a World Athletics Gold Label road race. Established in 2013, it returns on Sunday, 6 December 2026, with a field of 30,000 runners competing over the full 42.195 km marathon. There is no advertised 2026 half marathon.

The point-to-point course

The race starts at Shenzhen Civic Centre in Futian and heads west along Shennan Boulevard. Runners travel towards Shenzhen Bay via Shahe West Road and Wanghai Road, pass the waterfront and Qianhai district, and finish at Bao'an Coastal Plaza. The start and finish are in different districts: visitors should plan separate transport for arrival and collection. The organiser may issue specific metro, road-closure and runner access guidance closer to race day.

The marathon starts at 07:00 China Standard Time (UTC+8). The official competition rules set an overall six-hour course limit, with intermediate closure points. Timing is chip-based and men's and women's individual divisions are recognised. Participants must be at least 20 years old and meet the event's health requirements.

Entry rules and ballot status

Public pre-registration opened 20 September at 14:00 and closed 28 September 2026 at 17:00 China time. The first ballot results were published from 16 October at 10:00, and successful applicants had until 22 October at 17:00 to pay and secure their places. Both the public application window and first-ballot payment window have now ended. The organiser says a second ballot may be arranged depending on unpaid places, but has not announced its date; do not assume new public registration is open.

Most applicants must have recorded, during the 24 months before the entry deadline, at least one full marathon finish or two half-marathon finishes in eligible China Athletics Association A-class events with verifiable results. Separate approved elite and repeat-finisher pathways exist. Check the full official regulations for the relevant eligibility rules and exceptions before making plans.

Race-pack collection and race-day services

Bib and kit collection is scheduled for 3-4 December, 10:00-18:00, and 5 December, 10:00-22:00 (China time). The pickup venue is not yet confirmed in the published competition rules; consult the official collection announcement before travelling. The race pack includes a T-shirt, gear bag, bib and timing chip.

On race morning, the official baggage-drop window is 05:30-06:40; finish-area baggage collection closes at 14:00. Uncollected bags may be retrieved at the organiser-designated point on 7-9 December, 09:30-17:00, subject to the official procedure. Along the course, organiser rules specify drink stations every 5 km from kilometre five and additional water and food support at intermediate locations. Carry your valid identification and follow the event's final participant notices for the collection venue, access restrictions and transport arrangements.

Official 2026 competition rules: https://shenzhenmarathon.org.cn/subject.html?detailId=7447924346894135&topicId=6990420672320300