The Early Years
2011Established in 2011, the Beijing Half Marathon is now 15 years old. From its first edition in Beijing, it has evolved into a race that reflects the character of its host region in China.
Get Your Training Plan
Free, personalized for this race
Course & Elevation
The Beijing Half Marathon features a scenic out-and-back route through the heart of Beijing, starting from Tiananmen Square and running along major thoroughfares including Chang'an Avenue. The course is predominantly flat with excellent road conditions, passing through some of Beijing's most iconic urban landmarks. Support stations are well-organized throughout with traditional Chinese refreshments available.
Surface: road Profile: Flat
Weather
Temperature 18°C
Humidity 55%
Rain Chance 15%
Spring weather in Beijing during April is typically mild and pleasant with low humidity. Clear skies are common, though occasional dust storms can occur mid-month.
The Race
Beijing
Race Lore
The Course Record
2019The fastest time ever recorded at the Beijing Half Marathon is 01:00:42, set by Lenah Kipchoge in 2019. Every year, new contenders line up hoping to challenge that mark on the streets of Beijing.
The Fast Lane
Runners come to the Beijing Half Marathon for one reason: personal bests. The flat, fast course through Beijing has a reputation as a PB factory, with the roads seemingly designed to keep your pace honest and your splits consistent from start to finish.
The Crowd Energy
With 28,000 finishers and spectators lining the course deep, the Beijing Half Marathon generates an atmosphere that carries runners through the hard miles. The crowd support in Beijing is not polite applause — it's visceral, personal, and often the difference between hitting the wall and breaking through it.
Where It Begins
For thousands of runners each year, the Beijing Half Marathon is their first half marathon. The combination of a forgiving course, generous time limits, and supportive crowds has earned this race a reputation as the place where marathon journeys begin. The first-timer energy on race morning is palpable.
🏅 Create Your Beijing Half Marathon Diploma
Finished this race? Get a free certificate with celebrity comparisons & race day weather
Course Record
01:00:42
Lenah Kipchoge (2019)
Registration
Registration Opens February
Registration Closes March
Entry Cost ¥99-¥199
Register Now
Official Website →
Fun Facts
- ▸ Beijing Half Marathon is one of Asia's largest half-marathons with over 28,000 finishers annually, making it a major international event.
- ▸ The race starts at Tiananmen Square, one of the world's largest public plazas, providing a spectacular beginning to the race.
- ▸ The event attracts elite international distance runners and serves as a qualifier for various international championship events.
- ▸ Spring timing during April coincides with Beijing's most pleasant weather period, with minimal pollution and comfortable temperatures.
Compare With Similar Races
Are you the race organizer?
Free · Get featured on our homepage · Edit your race details
Get alerts for Beijing Half Marathon
Registration openings, date changes, sell-out warnings.