Jinan became a vibrant stage for speed, endurance, and competition on Oct 25, as the 2026 Jinan Marathon drew 25,000 participants, including 13,000 for the half marathon. Registration for both events was up 33 percent from 2025, underscoring the race's growing appeal.

Meng Shuai won the men's marathon in 2 hr 20 min 26 sec, while Tonglaga took the women's title in 2:33:29. In the half marathon, Yuan Anping claimed the men's crown in 1:05:46, and Zhang Deshun won the women's race in 1:14:45.

This year's race featured redesigned courses that started and finished at Jinan Olympic Sports Center. From there, runners followed Jingshi Road eastward, passing through the Lixia and Licheng districts and the Jinan Innovation Zone.

Certified by the Chinese Athletics Association, the event combined high-level competition with a route through the city's evolving urban landscape, showcasing Jinan's vitality as a host city.

Runners crowd the 2026 Jinan Marathon start line on Oct 25. [Photo/WeChat account: Jinan Marathon]

Meng Shuai wins the men's marathon at the 2026 Jinan Marathon. [Photo/WeChat account: Jinan Marathon]

A runner high-fives spectators during the marathon. [Photo/WeChat account: Jinan Marathon]