Few sports can bring together thousands – even tens of thousands – of people to participate in the same event, but running is one of them. It may be one of the most accessible sports there is: you can start with just a pair of shoes, a road, and determination, and whether you are a seasoned runner with years of experience, or a beginner just starting out, you can share the excitement of the race and enjoy the scenery along the route. You can choose to push hard for a ranking, or simply focus on yourself.
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Some running enthusiasts even take part in “marathon tourism,” travelling to different countries and cities to run marathons and experience destinations through running. Closer to home, there are several well-organised marathons as well.
Check out some of the popular marathons right here in the Greater Bay Area.
Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon
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Since its inaugural race in 1997, the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon has set new records for participation every year. Today, it has become an internationally renowned sporting spectacle, attracting elite runners as well as amateurs and costumed joggers who are simply there for the fun.
The race starts from Hong Kong’s famed Nathan Road, traverses bridges and tunnels, and passes by several of the city’s famous landmarks, before finishing at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay. Full and half marathons are offered, along with a 10k run.
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Because the course features many challenging elevations – including the Stonecutters Bridge, Cheung Tsing Tunnel, and the long uphill stretch of the Western Harbour Crossing – it has earned the nickname “The Devil’s Course.”
When held: January or February
Full Marathon: Quota 18,000, entry fee HK$600 for local runners or US$90 for non-locals
Half Marathon: Quota 25,000, entry fee HK$520 HKD for locals or US$85 for non-locals
10k run: Quota 31,000, entry fee HK$420 for locals and US$70 for non-locals
Macao International 10K
If marathons are too challenging, why not try the Macao International 10K?
The event is organised by the Sports Bureau of Macao, Sands China and the General Association of Athletics of Macau, and this year marks its 6th edition. The race usually begins at Sai Van Lake Square, passes over the Sai Van Bridge and the Cotai Strip, and finishes at the Olympic Sport Centre Stadium.
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In addition to the 10k race, there is also a Fun Run of about 6k, where you’ll see many runners dressed up in creative costumes.
Date: 15 March
10k: Quota around 7,000. Entry is usually 100 patacas for locals and 200 patacas for those from outside Macao
Fun Run: Quota around 3,000. Entry is typically 50 patacas for Macao residents and 70 patacas for others
Macao International Marathon
All warmed up after the 10k in March? You now have nine months to train before the Greater Bay Area’s marathon season arrives in December. The first to take place is the Macao International Marathon, founded in 1981.
The race usually starts at the Olympic Sports Center Stadium, crosses the Ponte Governador Nobre de Carvalho to reach the Macao Peninsula, passes by the A-Ma Temple, then heads over the Sai Van Bridge back to Taipa. After running through the Cotai area, the course finishes back at the Olympic Sports Center Stadium.
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It’s not every day you get the chance to run across two of Macao’s iconic bridges in a single race. With the course covering many parts of the city, joining this marathon is almost like taking a one-day tour of Macao on foot.
Date: 6 December
Full Marathon: Quota around 1,800. Entry usually 150 patacas for locals and 400 patacas for others
Half Marathon: Quota around 4,800. Fees are about 150 patacas for Macao residents and 400 patacas for everyone else
Mini Marathon: Quota around 5,400. Entry is about 50 patacas for locals and 70 patacas for others
Shenzhen Marathon
The Shenzhen Marathon, classified as an A1 marathon event – the highest domestic standard for marathons in China. Results from this race can be submitted for international rankings, with certification granted by the Chinese Athletic Association.
The Shenzhen Marathon features only a full marathon. The course begins at the Shenzhen Civic Center, runs along Shennan Avenue, passes landmarks such as the Shenzhen Bay Sports Park and Qianhai Stone Park, and finishes at the Bao’an Seaview Plaza.
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In just 11 years, the Shenzhen Marathon has become one of the most popular marathon events in the GBA, attracting as many as 30,000 participants in 2025.
When held: December
Full Marathon: Quota: 30,000 runners (subject to confirmation), with entry fees at around 200 yuan
Guangzhou Marathon
Launched in 2012, the Guangzhou Marathon has earned the prestigious designation of a World Athletics Gold Label Road Race.
Also classified as an A1 marathon event along with the Shenzhen Marathon, the Guangzhou race starts at the Tianhe Sports Center, runs along Linjiang Avenue where participants can enjoy views of the Pearl River, then passes landmarks such as the Liede Bridge, Canton Tower, and Renmin Bridge, before finishing at Haixinsha.
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This classic course, known as the “One River, Two Banks” route, attracted a total of 26,000 runners last year.
When held: December
Full Marathon: Quota around 26,000, entry around 160 yuan
Zhuhai Marathon
Runners who find full marathons too demanding need not worry – December also brings the Zhuhai Marathon, which includes a half marathon option.
Although classified as a B-level event, the Zhuhai Marathon offers a uniquely scenic course. The entire route runs along the coastline, following the city’s famous Lovers’ Road, with the starting line at Haitian Park.
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Compared with other courses that feature steep climbs and challenging terrain, Zhuhai’s route is relatively gentle, with a maximum elevation of less than 30 meters— making it an excellent opportunity to set a new personal best.
When held: December
Full Marathon: Quota of 4,000 runners (subject to confirmation), entry fee 200 yuan
Half Marathon: Quota around 12,000, entry fee 200 yuan
