Shantou Marathon 2026 (2026汕头马拉松)

Scheduled for Sunday, December 20, 2026, the Shantou Marathon is set to take place in Guangdong Province's vibrant city of Shantou. With an anticipated turnout of 20,000 runners, this event offers two race categories: a full marathon with a distance of 42.195 kilometers and a half-marathon covering 21.0975 kilometers.
Pre-registration for the marathon opened on September 10 at 10 AM and closed on September 28 at 8 PM, followed by an announcement of the lottery results on October 15. This year's event is centered around the theme of侨批 (chao pi) culture, which plays a significant role in Shantou’s heritage as a major port city for overseas Chinese immigrants. The race also celebrates local traditions through its collaboration with the Chaozhou-language film "A Letter to Grandma," integrating elements such as intangible cultural heritage and traditional Chao-Shan cuisine throughout the event.
The course has been refined, eliminating unnecessary detours to ensure runners face minimal elevation changes—no steep hills or tunnels. The December climate in Shantou is ideal for running, offering favorable conditions for athletes aiming to achieve personal bests (PB).
Runners will traverse iconic landmarks such as the Xiaopark Historical and Cultural District, the Seaside Promenade, and the East Coast New City. Along these routes, they can immerse themselves in a blend of historical charm from Shantou’s past as a century-old trading port and the modernity of its contemporary urban development.
A 42.195-kilometer cultural corridor featuring traditional performances like Ying dance, Chao opera, and large drums showcases local intangible heritage along the marathon route. Post-race festivities will include a special food zone where participants can savor authentic delicacies such as beef balls, oyster pancakes (蚝烙), and red bean cakes.
The entry fees for both races are set at 200 RMB per participant. Interested runners may register via official channels including the Shantou Marathon WeChat account, website (www.stmls.cn), Gaode Map, Digital Heartbeat, First Track, or Mararun.
This event promises to be a unique blend of cultural immersion and athletic challenge, inviting participants to experience not just a race but an entire city’s heritage.