The inaugural marathon event will be held on Saturday, October 29th, 2016.

Registration deadline: October 1st, 2016

Yes. Almost all non-Chinese nationals will need a visa to enter China. There are different visa categories and you will most likely need a tourist visa (L). Please contact your local Chinese embassy or consulate for more information. The procedure normally requires submitting a visa application form, paying a fee and providing the Chinese authorities with an authorized flight itinerary from your travel agent. This process takes about one to two weeks. Note that your passport must be valid for at least six months after entry. For more information please visit the Chinese Embassy website.

We have created a schedule and timeline page that outlines the required travel dates for participating in the race. This should help you plan your travels. For the best experience we recommend arriving to Kunming on October 26, and departing on October 31.

View Schedule

The race check-in and Course review meeting will on 10/28 at the Hotel in Quibei Tiancheng Taihe (Runner’s Headquarters). Please note the times:

• 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM / 14:00 PM – 6:00 PM / 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM – Check-in for runners
• 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Course review meeting (English)
• 7: 30 PM – 9:30 PM Course review meeting (Chinese)

At this time you will be able to ask questions and collect your race kit, BIB, timing chip, and goodie bag.

The course time limits will be STRICTLY ENFORCED. There is a 8-hour time limit for all races, start time is approximately 7:00 AM with a 3:00 PM CUT-OFF time. Participants must maintain a pace faster than the course time limits in order to complete the race. Note that start times are approximate.

• FULL MARATHON: START 7:00 AM
• HALF MARATHON: START 7:00 AM
• 10K: START 7:00 AM
• 5K / FUN RUN: START 7:30 AM

Yes. You must be at least 8 years old by race day for the 5K and 10K races. You must be at least 18 years old to participate in the full marathon, 14 years old for the half marathon. Younger runners must have special approval from the Race Director. Please contact the Race Director for more information.

Transportation from Kunming on 10/27 to Qiubei and return transportation from Qiubei on 10/30 to Kunming is included with your registration fee. On race day, 10/29, additional bus transportation will be available from the hotel in Qiubei to the start and finish lines and back to the hotel. Guest and spectators can purchase a Spectator Pass which will allow them to join the runners on the bus rides.

Yes! If transportation is needed, they can register for the Spectator Pass for bus transportation and lodging.

Yes. Water and aid stations are strategically positioned along the courses. We will also provide refueling food and water at the finish line. Proper hydration is essential when running any distance. One of the greatest dangers for runners is completing the race in a dehydrated state. We encourage runners to plan on being hydrated throughout the event.

Yes. We actually recommend a water bottle or hydration pack on our runners checklist. We encourage the eco-friendly option of using a runners water bottle or hydration pack. Each aid station will include fresh water to refill your bottle or hydration pack.

Yes. There will be official gear check bag and the drop-off locations near the start/finish lines. For details, please refer to the Race Information page.

No. The course is will be a combination of stone pathways, stairs, rural trails, dirt and paved roads. Unauthorized bicycles, motorized vehicles, wheelchairs and strollers not permitted on the race course due to safety concerns.

No. The marathon will be held whether it’s sunny, raining, snowing or anything in between. In the area you will be running the average temperature in October is 21.8°C / 71.2°F but has been know to go as high as 29°C / 84.2°F and as low as 3°C / 37.4°F. Average humidity is 33%, with an average of only 2 rainy days in October, and plenty of sunshine, it is important to reduce your dehydration risk and to have adequate sun protection. However we recommend to check the weather forecast a few days before the race so you can dress appropriately.

Yes. Race change requests are available, however they must be submitted no later than October 1st online. We are unable to guarantee any change request after October 1st, except for requests made at the Course Meeting held the day before the race. Submit your change request from our Contact page.

No. Entry fees are NON-REFUNDABLE and entries are NON-TRANSFERABLE. Sorry, no exceptions. Once we receive and accept your entry, you will not receive a refund if you cannot participate. You may not give or sell your number to anyone else. You MAY transfer your application to the following year or another one of our races. Submit a cancelation or transfer request from our Contact page.