Changde Liuye Lake Marathon 2026

The 2026 Changde Liuye Lake Marathon brings 15,000 runners to the waterfront of Liuye Lake in Changde, Hunan, on Sunday 8 November 2026. The organiser's programme has a 42.195 km marathon for 5,000 runners and 21.0975 km half marathon for 10,000, both starting at 08:00 China Standard Time from Liuye Lake Tourist Square. The full-distance course follows the lake for much of its route and the half marathon takes in selected highlights of this dedicated lakeside road network.

Course and event history

This is a road race focused on smooth, broad lakeside sections rather than steep climbs. Organiser and provincial reporting describe a largely closed circuit by Liuye Lake Bridge, Sima Tower and the Happy Water World precinct, with autumn scenery, waterside parks and views of Changde's lake district. Both distances are promoted as favourable for runners chasing a personal best, but weather, conditions underfoot and final course certification must be checked in race-week instructions. The event began in 2016, received Chinese Athletics Association gold-event recognition in 2018 and 2019, and earned a World Athletics Label designation in 2021. These are documented historical accolades, not a claim that the 2026 edition has any particular current label.

Entry and race-pack arrangements

Published fees for the 2026 event are CNY 160 for the marathon and CNY 150 for the half marathon. Registration ran from 22 September to 9 October 2026 at 18:00, or until capacity was filled; the registration platform now displays closed. The marathon minimum age is 20 in race year (born before 1 January 2006), and the half-marathon minimum is 18 (born before 1 January 2008). Older entrants have additional declaration, health-document and recent-result requirements.

For eligibility, marathon participants must show a marathon finish or two half-marathon results in the previous 24 months. Half-marathon entrants must have two qualifying race results of at least 10 km in that period. Participants are issued a race shirt, bib set, race bag and disposable timing chip before race day. The announced collection windows are Friday 6 November, 10:00–18:00, and Saturday 7 November, 10:00–21:00. The final precise pickup site, public transport, access restrictions and any updates to the course or start pens should be confirmed through the official event WeChat account before travelling.