Linyi Marathon 2026 - Shandong, China

The 2026 Linyi Marathon brings 26,000 runners to Linyi in Shandong Province on Sunday, 1 November 2026. The large city road race offers a full marathon for 6,000 entrants and a half marathon for 20,000 entrants. Both races set off from Wuzhou Lake Square and finish at the west gate of Linyi Olympic Sports Park. This is a point-to-point event, so participants should plan their return journey from a different finish location.

Courses and race-day timetable

The full marathon (42.195 km) follows Beijing Road across the Yi River, taking in riverfront roads and several bridges before reaching the Olympic Sports Park. The half marathon (21.0975 km) also uses Beijing Road and riverfront sections, with its own turning points. Refer to the official published route map rather than assuming the two distances follow the same course throughout. The opening gun is at 7:30 am China Standard Time; the half-marathon field is released in subsequent waves at approximately 7:40, 7:50 and 8:00 am according to assigned starting corrals. Runners must follow the time on their own bib and the organiser's final instructions.

The organiser specifies a six-hour marathon limit and a three-hour half-marathon limit, with timing-chip checkpoints and course cut-offs. Entry includes a race shirt, disposable timing chip, on-course refreshments, competition insurance and an eligible finisher medal. Baggage drop, security checks and start-area access take place early; allow sufficient time to reach the correct corral and do not assume ordinary vehicle access near the event precinct.

Entry requirements and registration

General registration is closed. The official application period ran from 1 June at 2:00 pm until 20 July at 6:00 pm China time, with ballot results released on 30 July. The marathon fee was CNY 180 and the half-marathon fee CNY 150. These are historical entry prices, not an invitation to register now. Do not buy a bib from unofficial sellers or assume a transfer is permitted.

Full-marathon applicants must have been at least 20 years old on 1 January 2026, and half-marathon applicants at least 18. Runners aged 65 and over must have a declaration signed by an immediate family member. The organiser requires evidence of qualifying recent endurance performances: typically one marathon or two half marathons in the previous 24 months for the marathon, or one half marathon or two runs of at least 10 km for the half marathon. Entrants must also assess their medical fitness under the event regulations.

Participant information

Race-pack collection requires the entrant's original identity document; consult the organiser's current collection guide for the exact pickup arrangements. The competition regulations prohibit novelty costumes, bib substitution and participation without a valid confirmed entry. Marathon and half-marathon awards include top finishers in the men's and women's divisions, with additional recognition for qualifying local and university competitors. Prize amounts and eligibility are detailed in the official regulations.

Sources: 2026 competition regulations and official registration instructions. Check the race organiser website for late route, transport, collection or weather notices.