Registration for the 2026 Shantou Marathon opened on September 10 and closes at 8 p.m. on September 28.
The marathon is known for its flat course, with no steep slopes or tunnels and a total elevation gain of only a few dozen meters. As a city with an inner bay, Shantou delivers a one-of-a-kind coastal marathon experience.
The course follows the inner bay coastal corridor, stretching west to the port-opening area of Shantou Small Park and east to Shantou East Coast New Town. With few turns and wide roads, it takes runners from the old town to the coastal boulevard, offering changing scenery along a smooth, runner-friendly route.
This year's race will also feature a strong cultural focus. Xiannan Cinema at 77 Haiping Road (海平路77号暹南电影院), one of the key filming locations for the Teochew-language film Dear You, sits along the route. More than 30 intangible cultural heritage performance sites will also showcase local traditions, including dynamic Yingge Dance, graceful Teochew Opera and lively Lion Dance.
The Shantou Marathon is also known among runners as the "Foodie Marathon." Aid stations will serve Gongfu tea, while the post-race food area will offer local favorites including beef balls, oyster omelettes, Teochew rice dumplings, tofu pudding, peach-shaped kueh and kway teow soup.
Registration Information
Race Date: December 20, 2026
Event Capacity: 20,000 runners (5,000 for the full marathon and 15,000 for the half marathon)
Registration: 10 a.m. on September 10 to 8 p.m. on September 28, 2026
Lottery Results: October 15, 2026
Registration Fee: 200 yuan per participant
Registration Portal: Official website of the 2026 Shantou Marathon (https://www.stmls.cn/)
Author | He Fengyu
Photos | Nanfang Plus
