2026 Jiangsu Sihong Rural Commercial Bank Sihong Marathon

The 2026 Jiangsu Sihong Rural Commercial Bank Sihong Marathon brings a substantial autumn road-running field to Sihong County, Suqian, in China's Jiangsu Province on Sunday 25 October 2026. Its distinctive appeal is a journey through the Hongze Lake area's lakeside landscapes, wetland scenery and rural autumn colours, rather than a conventional big-city loop. The county government hosts the event, the county Education and Sports Bureau administers it, and Nanjing Shanpao Sports Technology operates it.

Race format and course

The organiser confirmed an 8,000-runner field, divided between 2,000 full-marathon and 6,000 half-marathon entrants. Demand substantially exceeded the available places: 13,799 people registered, including more than 11,000 for the half. Officials describe the 2026 route as relatively flat, with a reported 17-metre difference between its highest and lowest elevations. That is an elevation range, not a published total ascent figure.

The race uses performance-based starting zones and two staggered gun starts at 7:30 am and 7:40 am China Standard Time, designed to reduce congestion. Entrants should verify their own assembly zone and assigned gun time against their bib and the final organiser notice. Detailed 2026 start/finish locations, maps and cut-off schedules should be checked against official instructions; older route plans should not be assumed to apply.

Race-week arrangements

Registration opened on 10 August and closed on 10 September 2026. The organiser has already received more applications than available positions, so runners should not treat the event as accepting new entries. The October media briefing confirmed race-bib and event-shirt collection, energy gels and locally produced gifts during race-pack distribution. Marathon entrants receive racing-style singlets, while half-marathon runners receive quick-drying shirts. Finisher medals incorporate a design inspired by Sihong's crab-farming culture and an NFC feature linking runners to their results.

The organiser announced race-preview training sessions on 18 and 24 October and visitor offers for the race weekend. From 24–26 October, participating runners and race officials with qualifying documentation may enter Hongze Lake Wetland Scenic Area, Shuang'gou Liquor Culture Tourist Area and Liushan Lake Scenic Area free of charge. Discounted accommodation and local restaurant packages were also announced.

Plan for early-morning assembly, possible road closures and individual hydration needs. Check the official event website for final race-pack collection arrangements, bib allocations and current course instructions; the publicly reported field size and perks do not guarantee late entry or specific transport services.