Shenzhen Marathon registration opens

Registration for the Shenzhen Marathon 2025 began Thursday, opening the gates for up to 30,000 runners to secure a spot in the December race, organizers announced.

Marathoners surge from the Civic Center start line at sunrise during the 2024 Shenzhen Marathon on Dec. 1, 2024. Photos courtesy of event organizer

The 42.195-kilometer (26.2-mile) marathon will start at 7:30 a.m. Dec. 7 at the Civic Center in Futian District. The registration period is open from 10 a.m. Oct. 30 until 5 p.m. Nov. 2. Prospective participants are directed to the "深圳马拉松官方" WeChat official account, the official Shenzhen Marathon website, or the Malamala (马拉马拉) app to register and to view the full competition rules.

This year's course has been designed to showcase Shenzhen's urban and natural landscapes. Starting at the Civic Center, runners will traverse the iconic Shennan Thoroughfare, experience sea breezes along Wanghai Road, and pass through Qianhai Thoroughfare before finishing at Haibin Square in Bao'an District. 

Thousands race along Shenzhen’s landmark Shennan Thoroughfare in the 2024 marathon Dec. 1, 2024.

In a move to promote efficiency and inclusivity, the Shenzhen Marathon 2025 will be held concurrently with the marathon event for the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities. The two events will share the same course but will feature a staggered start. The marathon for athletes with disabilities will begin at 6:30 a.m., one hour before the main event.

According to organizers, the dual-event model allows for shared resources, including medical services, security, volunteer support, and course infrastructure. 

The Shenzhen Marathon is one of China's major running events, drawing international participants to the southern tech and manufacturing hub.