2026 Dalian Marathon - April 26

2026 Dalian Marathon - April 26 Race Completed

Race Completed

This marathon has finished. Check back for next year's edition.

Race Information

Race2026 Dalian Marathon - April 26
CityDalian
Date2026-04-26 at 07:30
Field Size~12,000 runners
Time Limit6 hours 15 min
TimezoneAsia/Shanghai
Official SiteDalian Municipal Government

Race Day Weather

Average Temperature16°C / 61°F
Humidity65%
Wind15 km/h
Rain Chance15%
Typical ConditionsCool and breezy with coastal wind, 12-18 degrees Celsius

What to Prepare: Strong sea winds are the defining challenge — especially along the exposed coastal sections between 30-42 km. Draft behind other runners when facing headwinds. April temperatures of 12-18 degrees Celsius are comfortable for racing, but dress for wind chill on exposed stretches. Arm sleeves you can remove are a smart choice.

Based on historical averages for race week. Use our Weather Score Calculator and What to Wear Guide for personalized advice.

Wind Impact on Race Day

Wind at 15 km/h can affect your marathon pace by 5-15 seconds per kilometer. Headwinds slow you down exponentially — a 20 km/h wind costs more than twice a 10 km/h wind.

Calculate your wind-adjusted pace →

Course Profile

Course TypeCoastal Loop
Elevation Gain90m
TerrainRoad
ProfileScenic coastal loop starting and finishing at Dongang Business District. China's oldest marathon (founded 1987), now a World Athletics Elite Label race. Rolling terrain with 45 m maximum elevation, ocean views throughout, and a fast downhill finish.
Boston QualifierYes — Check your BQ time

Course Analysis

Overview

The Dalian Marathon is China's oldest marathon, founded in 1987 and now in its 36th edition. In 2025, it earned World Athletics Elite Label status — a recognition of its international-caliber organization and field. The 2026 race drew 30,000 runners (16,000 marathon, 14,000 half marathon) and saw Francis Kipkorir Langat of Kenya set a new course record of 2:09:29, breaking the previous mark of 2:09:44 set in 2018.

The course is a coastal loop that starts and finishes at the Dongang Business District, threading through downtown landmarks before returning along Dalian's famous shoreline. Maximum elevation is only 45 meters, but the rolling terrain and persistent sea wind make this more tactically demanding than the numbers suggest. The 10 energy stations, 7 water stations, and 8 beverage stations along the full marathon course provide ample fueling opportunities. Use the pace calculator to plan your splits around the elevation profile.

0-8 km: Dongang Waterfront

The race begins at the intersection of Gangpu Road and Zhuhe Street in the Dongang Business District. The first 8 km are completely flat with the sea on your left and the modern skyline on your right. You will pass through Port East Fifth Street twice, with views of yacht docks and the Dongang Music Fountain.

This section is deceptively easy. The wide roads and sea breeze can tempt you into going out too fast. Control your pace here — bank energy for the climbs ahead. The crowd density is high at the start, so settle into your rhythm without weaving. A negative split strategy works well on this course.

8-21 km: City Center Climbs

After turning onto Changjiang East Road, the course enters Dalian's urban core. The first real climbing begins here — a 40-meter ascent through Zhongshan Square and People's Square, two of the city's most iconic landmarks. You will pass the Dalian Museum, the CBD district, and historic architecture from the city's colonial era.

The half marathon finishes at the intersection of Huizhan Road and Huizhan East Road around the 21 km mark. For full marathon runners, this section demands disciplined energy management. The climbs are gradual but cumulative. Take nutrition at the energy stations around 10 km and 15 km — do not wait until you feel depleted. Check the marathon nutrition calculator for your fueling plan.

21-30 km: Historic Districts and Peak Elevation

After the turnaround near Xinghai Bay, the route follows Zhongshan Road through the Wuhui and Liberation Road districts. You will pass Labor Park — Dalian's largest urban park — and streets lined with cafes and Japanese-era architecture. The course reaches its maximum elevation of 45 meters near the 28 km mark.

This is where the race is won or lost. The gradual incline between 25-30 km coincides with glycogen depletion for many runners. Take solid nutrition at every station. The crowd support thins out in this section, so mental preparation matters — know that the rewarding downhill coastal finish is just ahead.

30-42.195 km: Coastal Descent and Sprint Finish

The final 12 km are predominantly downhill and flat, following Wuwu Road through Harbor Plaza and Sea View Park back to Dongang. This is the signature section of the Dalian Marathon — sea breezes, circling seagulls, and expanding ocean panoramas as you approach the finish.

Use the downhill momentum to pick up pace if your legs allow it. However, the coastal wind can be a factor here — headwinds along the exposed shoreline between 35-40 km have been noted by runners in past editions. If you face a headwind, tuck behind a group and save your final kick for the last 2 km back into the sheltered Dongang area. Use the race predictor to estimate your finish time based on the first half.

Training in Dalian

Arriving early? Explore daily running routes and local tips.

Prepare for 2026 Dalian Marathon - April 26

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Dalian Marathon Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Dalian Marathon registration open, and what is the lottery timeline?

For 2026, registration opened on February 7 at 10:00 AM and closed on February 12 at 6:00 PM. Lottery results were announced on March 6 at 10:00 AM. Winners had to pay by March 10 at 6:00 PM. A standby lottery followed on March 13. Registration is via the official Dalian Marathon website and the Dalian Marathon WeChat account. The marathon costs 180 CNY and the half marathon costs 150 CNY.

How do I get to the start line at Dongang Business District?

The start and finish are at the intersection of Gangpu Road and Zhuhe Street in the Dongang Business District. Take Metro Line 2 to Donggang Station — it is a 10-minute walk. On race day, road closures begin at 4:50 AM in the start zone, with main roads closing from 6:30 AM. Taxis and ride-hailing are not recommended — use the subway or official shuttle buses. If staying downtown, hotels near Zhongshan Square or People's Road (Shangri-La, Nikko, Fulihua) are within 3 km of the start. The JW Marriott is only 900 m away.

What are the cutoff times for the full marathon?

The full marathon has a total cutoff of 6 hours and 15 minutes from the gun start at 7:30 AM. Intermediate cutoff points are enforced along the course — runners who fail to reach a checkpoint by the designated time must exit the course and board collection vehicles. The half marathon cutoff is 3 hours and 15 minutes. Plan your target pace using the pace calculator to ensure comfortable margins at each checkpoint.

What is the aid station setup along the course?

The full marathon has 10 energy stations, 7 water-only stations, and 8 beverage stations — totaling 25 support points. The half marathon has 4 energy, 3 water, and 4 beverage stations. Energy stations provide sports drinks, bananas, and salt tablets. Stations are spaced approximately every 2.5 km on the full course. Carry your own gels if you have specific nutrition needs — Chinese marathons typically do not stock Western gel brands.

Where is packet pickup, and what documents do I need?

Packet pickup takes place at the Dongang Business District expo on the day before the race (April 25 for the 2026 edition). You need your valid ID (Chinese ID card or passport for international runners) and your registration confirmation. Bibs are not transferable. International runners should also bring their medical clearance certificate if required by the race regulations. Check the official WeChat account for the exact expo hours.

Is the Dalian Marathon a good race for a personal best?

It depends on wind conditions. The course profile is favorable — only 45 m of total elevation gain with a fast downhill finish in the final 12 km. In calm conditions, this is a solid PB course. However, Dalian's coastal location means sea wind is always a variable. The 2026 course record of 2:09:29 proves elite times are possible. For recreational runners targeting a goal pace, the key risk is the exposed coastal section between 30-40 km. Run conservatively through the middle kilometers and save energy for the finish.

Can international runners participate, and do I need a visa?

Yes, the Dalian Marathon welcomes international runners — the 2026 edition featured participants from 32 countries. Registration is through the official website; international runners need a valid passport. For Japanese, Korean, and most European passport holders, China currently offers 30-day visa-free entry (extended through December 2026). Transit visa exemption (240 hours) also covers Dalian. Book flights into Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport — it has direct connections from Tokyo, Seoul, and major Chinese cities. From the airport, the light rail reaches downtown in about 40 minutes.

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