C&D Xiamen Marathon

Held in Xiamen, a coastal city in southeastern China's Fujian Province, this marathon takes runners through an area known for its maritime heritage and natural beauty. The race unfolds across terrain that ranges from sea level to just 18 meters of elevation, offering competitors a relatively low-altitude experience while still remaining within sight of the city's waterfront character. The setting blends urban infrastructure with access to the region's natural spaces, giving runners a sense of place that feels distinctly local rather than sanitized. The course itself is a trail-based affair, which immediately sets it apart from typical road marathons. Runners should expect a predominantly flat run with gentle rolling sections that never demand serious climbing. The total elevation gain sits well below what many trail marathoners encounter on a typical weekend long run, so the technical challenge here comes more from trail footing and surface variability than from steep pitches. This makes it approachable for runners new to trail running while still offering the different rhythm and foot placement demands that come with running off pavement. The relatively low relief means pacing can be more consistent than on hillier courses, though the trail surface itself will require attention to foot placement throughout.