Nantong Marathon 2026

Nantong Marathon 2026 returns on Sunday, 8 November with a 25,000-runner field and a redesigned course through one of Jiangsu's major Yangtze River cities. The programme comprises 7,000 places in the 42.195 km marathon and 18,000 in the 21.0975 km half marathon. Both races begin at 07:30 from the east side of Nantong Grand Theatre, beside Nantong Art Museum and Zilang Lake.

The 2026 route has been reworked to place more emphasis on Nantong's riverside landscape. Current race regulations say runners pass major city and recreation landmarks including Nantong Grand Theatre and Art Museum, Zilang Lake, the Langshan scenic area, Binjiang Park and Yangtze River Sports Park. The full marathon returns to the Grand Theatre precinct, while the half marathon finishes separately at Nantong Zhongnan Sports Conference and Exhibition Center. Organiser material describes a longer Yangtze-side section than in previous editions, combining modern cultural precincts, green space and waterfront running.

Entry used a ballot when applications exceeded capacity. Pre-registration ran from 12 August to 1 September, with first-round results announced on 7 September and a second waitlist draw on 18 September. Entry cost CNY 200 for the marathon and CNY 160 for the half marathon. Marathon applicants were required to show either one offline marathon finish or two half-marathon finishes from the previous 24 months, while half-marathon applicants needed one offline half marathon or two races of at least 10 km, including at least one offline event.

Race-day check-in begins up to 120 minutes before the start, with runners assigned to pace-based starting zones and separate gun starts planned by wave. Timing uses disposable chips and mats at the start, every 5 km, the halfway point, turnaround points and the finish. Baggage storage is provided, with collection deadlines of 12:00 for half-marathon runners and 15:00 for marathon runners. Fixed medical stations, ambulances, first-aid volunteers and mobile AED support are planned along the course.

The regulations confirm cash prizes for the top eight men and women in both distances, with trophies and medals for the top three. Runners finishing within the official cut-offs receive a finisher pack and medal. Exact 2026 race-pack collection times and venue, final wave times and the detailed cut-off table are to be confirmed in later participant information.