The 2026 Lanzhou Marathon (sponsored by Bank of Lanzhou) is one of China’s most prestigious "Gold Label" road races, officially set for Sunday, May 24, 2026. Known for its unique high-altitude river course, the race follows the banks of the Yellow River, offering runners a scenic but physically demanding experience at an elevation of approximately 1,500 meters (4,900 ft).
As of early March, the "Countdown to the Start" stands at 75 days. The 2026 event follows a lottery-based registration system due to its immense popularity. Official registration guidelines and competition rules were released in late February 2025, and the results of the participant draw (ballot) were recently addressed in a technical video statement released by the committee on March 6, 2026.
| Key Milestone | Date / Status |
|---|---|
| Race Day | May 24, 2026 |
| Registration Status | Ballot/Draw Results released (March 2026) |
| Elevation | ~1,500m (High-altitude plateau course) |
| Event Logistics | Free public transit and shuttle services for athletes |
The Lanzhou Marathon is famous for its "Yellow River Style," with the course passing landmarks such as the Zhongshan Bridge and the Waterwheel Garden. Because of the altitude, runners are advised to arrive a few days early to acclimate. The city provides extensive support, including a pre-race Carnival and free transportation for bib-holding participants on the local metro and bus lines.
May 24, 2026
Distance — 21.1K
Type — Running
07:30
$50.00
May 24, 2026
Distance — 42.2K
Type — Running
07:30
$50.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Lanzhou.
Learn more about the host city, Lanzhou.
Lanzhou is the capital of Gansu province of China.
Read more launchWatch highlights and course previews from previous years.
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