The highly anticipated Beijing Marathon, often referred to as the “National Marathon,” is set to kick off on November 3. According to data released by the marathon organizing committee on October 24, a record-breaking 182,949 runners from 43 countries and regions have registered for this year’s event.

Established in 1981, the Beijing Marathon is the oldest marathon event in mainland China. This year’s race, hosted by the Chinese Athletics Association and the Beijing Municipal Sports Bureau, will feature two categories: the marathon and the National Marathon Championships, with a total of 30,000 participants expected, including recreational runners, national championship athletes, and invited competitors.

At a press conference on October 24, the organizing committee announced that the race will start at 7:30 AM on November 3 from Tiananmen Square, with the finish line located in the central area of the Beijing Olympic Park.

To enhance the safety, comfort, and ceremonial experience of participants, this year’s event will maintain its classic route while upgrading the starting area. The starting arch will be relocated 100 meters north, allowing runners to gather on the eastern road of Tiananmen Square and commence their race in a straight line. This change aims to facilitate smoother pre-race preparations for the runners.

Wang Xiaoying, a member of the executive committee of the Chinese Athletics Association, emphasized that the Beijing Marathon is a leading event in China’s marathon scene. The organizing committee is committed to refining competition organization and improving service quality to elevate the marathon’s overall experience, positioning it as an important showcase for promoting sports development in the capital and highlighting Beijing’s status as a “City of International Events.”

Notably, the finishers’ medals for this year’s Beijing Marathon will blend Eastern aesthetics with modern art, featuring designs inspired by the unique architecture of the National Stadium (Bird’s Nest) and the fluid lines of the National Speed Skating Stadium (Ice Ribbon). The medal will reflect the rich cultural heritage of Beijing and its identity as a city that has hosted both the Summer and Winter Olympics.