Ⅰ. Organizer

Wuxi Municipal People's Government

Ⅱ. Host Organization

Wuxi Municipal Bureau of Sports, Wuxi Huipao Sports Co., Ltd.

III. Technical Certification Authority

Chinese Athletics Association 

IV. Race Date and Location

March 22, 2026 (Sunday), China • Wuxi

Ⅴ. Race Categories and Scale

- Men's and Women's Marathon (42.195 km): 27,000 participants  

- Men’s and Women’s Half Marathon (21.0975 km): 8,000 participants

Ⅵ. Race Categories

Men's Marathon, Women's Marathon, Men’s Half Marathon, Women’s Half Marathon, Running Club Sub-Race, Age Group Sub-Race

VII. Race Routes

1. Marathon

Start: The Intersection of Taihu Avenue and Yinxiu Road

→ Taihu Avenue (Forward / Left Turn)

→ Hongqiao Road (Full-width / Left Turn)

→ West Zhongnan Road (Forward / Right Turn)

→ Yinxiu Road (Reverse / Right Turn)

→ Shuanghong Road (Forward / Right Turn)

→ Huanhu Road (Reverse / Left Turn)

→ Jianzhu Road (Reverse)

→ Shili Fangdi (Full-width)

→ Yuantouzhu (Full-width / Right Turn)

→ East Shanshui Road (Forward / Left Turn)

→ West Gaolang Road (Forward / Right Turn)

→ Yuanxi Lane (Forward / Left Turn)

→ Zhenze Road (Reverse / Left Turn)

→ South Gate of Jiangnan University

→ Zhongyang Avenue (Full-width / Left Turn)

→ E’meishan Road (Full-width / Right Turn)

→ Sanjiang Road (Full-width / Right Turn)

→ Jinggangshan Road (Full-width / Left Turn)

→ Zhongyang Avenue (Full-width / Right Turn)

→ Huangshan Road (Full-width / Right Turn)

→ Liangjiang Road (Full-width / Left Turn)

→ Jiangnan Avenue (Forward)

→ Wudu Road (Forward / Turn left and make a U-turn near the Lide Road intersection)

→ Wudu Road (Forward / Right Turn)

→ Xincheng Lane (Forward / Right Turn)

→ Guanshan Road (Forward / Right Turn)

→ Lixin Avenue (Forward / Left Turn)

→ Financial 2. Street (Full-width)

→ Fangmiao Road (Reverse / Left Turn)

→ Xinjingui Road (Forward)

→ Shangxian Lane (Full-width / Right Turn)

→ Hefeng Road (Forward / Left Turn)

→ Lixin Avenue (Forward)

→ Internal roads of Gonghu Bay Wetland Park

→ Gancheng Road (Forward / Right Turn)

→ Lixin Avenue (Forward / Right Turn)

→ Qingyuan Road (Forward / Left Turn)

→ Qingshu Lane (Forward)

→ Finish: Wuxi Taihu International Expo Center

2. Half Marathon

Start: The Intersection of Taihu Avenue and Yinxiu Road

→ Taihu Avenue (Forward / Left Turn)

→ Hongqiao Road (Full-width / Left Turn)

→ West Zhongnan Road (Forward / Right Turn)

→ Yinxiu Road (Reverse / Right Turn)

→ Shuanghong Road (Forward / Right Turn)

→ Huanhu Road (Reverse / Left Turn)

→ Jianzhu Road (Reverse)

→ Shili Fangdi (Full-width)

→ Yuantouzhu (Full-width / Right Turn)

→ East Shanshui Road (Forward / Left Turn)

→ West Gaolang Road (Forward / Right Turn)

→ Yuanxi Lane (Forward / Left Turn)

→ Zhenze Road (Reverse / Left Turn)

→ South Gate of Jiangnan University

→ Zhongyang Avenue (Full-width / Right Turn)

→ Huangshan Road (Full-width / Left Turn)

→ Finish: Jiangnan University Sport Center

VIII. Entry Guidelines

1. Age Requirements for Participants

1.1 The minimum age for the marathon is 20 years old in the year of the race (born on or before December 31, 2006).

1.2 The minimum age for the half-marathon is 18 years old in the year of the race (born on or before December 31, 2008).

2. Requirements for Senior Participants

Participants aged 70 years and above (born before December 31, 1956) who register for the marathon event must also meet the following requirements:

2.1 An immediate family member must sign the “Informed Consent Form for Senior Participants” online, acknowledging awareness of the risks involved and agreeing to the participant's entry.

2.2 To ensure the safety of senior participants, a pacer/companion runner must accompany them throughout the entire race. Senior participants are required to submit the information of a successfully pre-registered companion runner during the pre-registration phase.

3. Physical Condition Requirements for Participants

Marathon is a high-load, high-intensity, and long-distance competitive sport that carries certain risks. Improper participation may lead to varying degrees of physical injury, and in severe cases, it may even endanger life. Therefore, participants in road running events should be in good physical health and have a foundation of regular running exercise or training.

The following individuals are not recommended to participate in the event:

- Individuals with congenital or rheumatic heart disease;

- Individuals with hypertension or cerebrovascular disease;

- Individuals with myocarditis or other heart conditions;

- Individuals with coronary artery disease or severe arrhythmia;

- Individuals experiencing moderate chest pain during light activity;

- Individuals with high or low blood sugar (diabetes);

- Individuals who have had a cold or abnormal body temperature within two weeks before race day;

- Individuals who drank excessively or had insufficient sleep the night before the race;

- Pregnant women;

- Individuals with other conditions that are unsuitable for physical activity.

Participants are strongly advised to undergo a physical examination at a Class II Grade A or higher hospital within 12 months before the race. The check-up must include blood pressure and one of the following:

- Resting electrocardiogram (ECG)

- 24-hour Holter monitor

- Treadmill stress test

If results show abnormal blood pressure or significant ECG issues (e.g., pronounced bradycardia), a cardiac ultrasound is also required. ECG and cardiac ultrasound are not interchangeable.

Participants should assess their fitness condition in conjunction with their examination results to determine whether they are fit for road running. Any personal injury or property loss due to individual health or other personal reasons shall be borne solely by the participant.

4. Elite Athlete Registration

Elite athletes are divided into International Elites and Domestic Elites: International Elites are foreign athletes who meet the competition's level standards and eligibility requirements. Domestic Elites are athletes listed in the Anti-Doping Registered Testing Pool managed by the China Anti-Doping Agency (CHINADA).

Elite athletes are invited directly by the Organizing Committee and are not required to register through the general entry system. For inquiries regarding elite entry, please contact the committee via email at elite@ihuipao.com.

5. Registration for Mass Participants

All participants, other than elite athletes registered as mass participants.

5.1 The Marathon is limited to 27,000 participants, and the Half-Marathon is limited to ,000 participants. If registration exceeds the cap, the race slots will be allocated via lottery with waitlisting. A result-based direct-entry category has been established for this year’s event.

5.2 For full registration procedures, lottery, waitlist, and withdrawal policies, please refer to the Official Race Website under the “Registration Instructions.”

5.3 Participants must provide accurate emergency contact information during registration and ensure that the emergency contact is informed and has full civil liability capacity. The organizing committee reserves the right to contact the emergency contact if necessary.

5.4 The Organizing Committee will invite specific participants in addition to elite athletes, including pacers, sponsors, and partner media representatives.

6. Registration for Athletes with Disabilities

The registration and participation of athletes with disabilities in this race shall follow the relevant regulations stated in the notice “Regarding the Participation of Athletes with Disabilities in National Marathons and Related Sporting Events” published on the official website of the Chinese Athletics Association:

6.1 Due to course conditions, this race will not include a wheelchair racing category, and wheelchair racing athletes are not permitted to participate.

6.2 Participants with disabilities (including those using wheelchairs) must meet the age and health requirements of each event in the 2026 Wuxi Marathon and pay the registration fee according to the registration requirements.

6.3 Before the start, participants with visual, hearing, intellectual, or upper limb impairments shall gather and check in at the designated zones together with able-bodied participants. Wheelchair participants shall gather, check in, and start from the rear of the last corral of their registered event.

6.4 For the safety of all participants, visually impaired athletes must be accompanied by a guide runner throughout the race. Visually impaired athletes must upload proof of disability and provide the information of a successfully pre-registered guide runner during the pre-registration phase. Other athletes with disabilities are also encouraged to invite a guide runner to participate together.

7. Running Club Sub-Race

The Running Club Sub-Race will open for team applications from 10:00 on February 27 to 17:00 on March 5, 2026. Participants must have completed registration on the official website and obtained a qualification for the marathon event. The team leader of a running club can create a team by selecting the “Running Club Sub-Race” menu on the official website or the official mini-program, filling in the team’s name, and inviting members who have secured entry to the event. Each participating club team is limited to 15 members (with at least 4 female participants). Once confirmed, team rosters cannot be changed, and each participant can join only one club team. Elite athletes, pacers, and emergency runners are not eligible for the Running Club Sub-Race.

If a team name uses the name of a well-known social organization or brand, the corresponding authorization document must be provided. Team names must not violate laws or offend public order and good customs. The organizing committee will review all team names and reserves the right to request the team leader to make modifications.

8. Registration Fee

 IX. Competition Rules

1. The competition shall be conducted following the World Athletics Competition and Technical Rules, the World Athletics Label Road Races Regulations, the Road Running Event Management Documents of the Chinese Athletics Association, and the competition regulations of this marathon.

2. In accordance with the notice issued by the Chinese Athletics Association on “Participation of Athletes with Disabilities in National Marathons and Related Sporting Events,” eligible athletes with disabilities are permitted to participate in this race.

3. This race will implement anti-doping tests in accordance with the relevant regulations of World Athletics and the Chinese Athletics Association. All participants and athletes (including retired athletes) must strictly comply with the World Anti-Doping Code and the Anti-Doping Rules issued by the General Administration of Sport of China. Any retired athlete found in violation of these regulations will have their race results and any other competition-related benefits annulled.

4. Mass participants

4.1 Roll-call Procedure

Sectional Roll-call: Participants will be grouped based on their best results in “A1 Class” marathons or half marathons certified on the China Marathon Information Platform between January 1, 2024, and January 20, 2026.

The Organizing Committee will open the corral-appeal portal after the corral assignment results are released. Participants may submit an appeal within two calendar days by uploading their race result certificate(s) from A1-level races, World Athletics Label Races, or AIMS-certified races held between January 1, 2024, and January 20, 2026.

Wheelchair participants must gather at the rear of the last assembly zone. Due to course conditions, this event does not set a racing wheelchair category, and the use of racing wheelchairs is not permitted.

Timing check carpets will be placed in front of each start zone. Participants must enter strictly according to their assigned start zone. After the starting signal, participants must first pass the timing check carpet of their assigned zone and then the start line timing carpet for their results to be considered valid.

Participants must wear appropriate athletic apparel and must properly display their bib number as required. For safety reasons, items unrelated to the competition (such as flags, banners, baby strollers, etc.) are not permitted on the course. Any participant who fails to comply will be disqualified.

4.2 Start Command

A wave start will be used, with different starting times for each section. Athletes who start incorrectly will not be stopped but will have their qualifications for the race revoked by the referee.

4.3 Timing Method

4.3.1 This event will use chip timing, starting from the moment the athlete crosses the start line (net time). For the Marathon overall awards and the special awards for Chinese athletes, rankings will be determined by gun time. For the Marathon mass division awards, age-group awards, and the Half Marathon overall awards, rankings will be determined by net time.

4.3.2 Timing mats will be placed at the start, every 5km, the halfway point, the turnaround points, and the finish line. Athletes must pass through all the timing mats in sequence. If an athlete completes the race within the cutoff time but misses any timing point, their result will be disqualified and not ranked.

4.3.3 The timing chip will be distributed on-site together with the race bib and other race materials. This event uses a disposable timing chip with no deposit required, and the chip will not be collected after the race.

4.3.4 Each timing checkpoint will have a display screen and will be recorded throughout the race.

4.4 Cut-off and Distances and Times

To ensure the safety of participants, the course will have rolling closures of public traffic. Specific cut-off times for each section of the course will be enforced. Once the cut-off time for a section is reached, the corresponding timing mat will stop working, and traffic will resume. Any participant who has not completed the required distance by the cut-off time must immediately stop and exit the course for safety reasons. They can take the sweep bus to the finish or leave the race on public transportation.

The cut-off times are based on actual time, as shown in the table below:

Note: Participants who fail to pass a timing checkpoint before the cut-off time due to the reopening of traffic roads will be solely responsible for any accidents or incidents that occur thereafter.

4.5 Bag Drop

4.5.1 Marathon and Half-Marathon participants can drop their bags at designated areas at the start. After finishing the race, they must pick up their bags from the corresponding area. The organizing committee will not check the contents of the bags. Therefore, complaints from participants regarding the condition of their belongings when retrieving their storage bags will not be accepted, and no liability will be assumed for any loss or damage. Participants are advised not to store valuable items like phones, documents, cash, etc. in the bags.

4.5.2 Only the clothing bags provided by the organizing committee may be used for depositing personal belongings. Large luggage items must be kept by the participant.

4.5.3 On race day at the start area, the bag-drop service for participants will close 15 minutes before the start of each wave. Participants must plan their time accordingly.

Half Marathon participants shall collect their deposited items at the designated area near the finish line before 11:25 on race day; Marathon participants shall collect their items before 14:25. Items not collected within the time limit may be retrieved by contacting the Organizing Committee within 5 days after the race (postage costs, if any, shall be borne by the participant). Items not claimed within the specified period will be handled as unclaimed property by the Organizing Committee.

4.6 Drink, Water, Food, and Refreshment Stations

Elite personal refreshments will be provided at designated aid stations along the course.

Tables for personal refreshments will be covered with red tablecloths and will be recorded throughout the race. Personal refreshments may only be taken by the athlete to whom they belong. Any athlete who takes another athlete’s personal refreshment without immediately returning it will be disqualified, and additional post-race penalties may be imposed for serious violations.

5. Elite Athletes

5.1 Roll-call

An exclusive check-in zone and pre-race warm-up area will be provided for elite athletes in the marathon event. All elite athletes are required to present their original identification documents during check-in and at the start within the elite area on race day.

5.2 Start and Timing

All elite athletes shall start at the first gun, with their results timed by gun time. In the event of a false start, the race will continue without interruption, but the officials will disqualify the athlete.

5.3 Personal Refreshment

The race will have personal refreshment stations approximately every 5 km. Elite athletes may submit their refreshments at designated times and locations on the day before the race, and retrieve them at the corresponding stations during the race. Detailed arrangements will be announced at the technical meeting.

5.4 Race Attire and Shoes

All elite athletes' race attire and accessories must comply with World Athletics clothing and advertising regulations, and race shoes must be listed on the approved athletic shoes by World Athletics. Athletes who violate these rules will be disqualified from the competition.

5.5 Technical Meeting

The technical meeting will be held one day before the race. All elite athletes must attend the meeting with their original identification documents, race attire, and race shoes.

6. For other specific race requirements and arrangements, refer to the event's “Official Manual”.

X. Awards and Prizes

1. Marathon Ranking Prizes

For the top 8 male and female athletes (based on gun time), the following prize money will be awarded (in USD, paid in RMB according to the exchange rate on the race day):

2. Special Prizes for Chinese Participants

The top three Chinese male and female finishers (based on gun time) will be awarded the following prizes (in RMB / yuan).

3. Marathon Mass Participants’ Prizes:

The top three male and female mass participants in the marathon (based on net time) will be awarded the following prizes (in RMB / yuan).

4. Half Marathon Ranking Prizes

The top three male and female participants in the half-marathon (based on net time) will be awarded the following prizes (in RMB / yuan).

5. Running Club Sub-Race Prizes

The team’s result is calculated by taking the average of the net times of the top 2 female finishers and the top 8 finishers among the remaining team members. If the total number of finishers is fewer than 10, or there are fewer than 2 female finishers, the missing slots will be filled using the course cut-off time of the event. If the total number of finishers is fewer than 8, the team result will be deemed invalid.
In the case of a tie, teams will be ranked based on the net time of their best-performing member. If there is still a tie, the second-best member’s time will be compared, and so on.
The top three teams in the result rankings will receive prizes (in RMB / yuan).

6. All award participants must wear race shoes that comply with World Athletics regulations during the race.

7. If a participant qualifies for more than one award — including the Marathon Overall Awards, the Special Awards for Chinese Participants, or the Marathon Mass Participant Awards — only the highest award will be issued. Awards will not be granted repeatedly, and the rankings will not be reassigned.

8. A 20% personal income tax will be deducted from all prize awards. According to World Athletics rules, 2% of the prize money for the top 8 marathon finishers will be deducted as an "Athlete Levy" by the event organizing committee.

9. Prize money will be distributed after the announcement of the doping control results. Awarded participants will be contacted for payment. If a prize-winning participant fails the doping control, his/her result, ranking, and award will be annulled. Prize money for the Club Race will be collected in a unified manner by the team leader of the winning club.

10. The top 3 male and female marathon finishers will receive a trophy, medal, and prize on-site.

11. For mass participants, the top 3 male and female finishers in each marathon age group (based on net time) will be awarded commemorative trophies. The trophies will be mailed to the participants within 30 days after the results announcement period ends. The age groups are defined based on 2026 minus the year of birth as follows:

12. Participants who finish within the cutoff time may collect their finisher items and finisher medal by presenting their valid race bib.

13. Marathon finishers within the course closing time may apply, via the official race website after the event, for delivery of the finisher T-shirt. Please refer to the post-race announcement on the official website for detailed instructions.

14. Marathon finishers who complete the race within the cut-off time can check their results on the official event website 24 hours after the race. Participants outside the top 20 can also download their official result certificate, which includes gun time, net time, and other details. If any timing checkpoint data is missing, the participant will be disqualified by the World Athletics competition and technical rules.

15. The results of the top 20 marathon finishers will be publicly announced on the official event website within 24 hours after the race and will remain posted for 10 days. During the announcement period, any participant who has objections to the results should contact the race organizing committee and provide valid and verifiable evidence. The top 20 marathon finishers may download their certificates from the official website only after the announcement period has ended.

XI. Penalties

1. Participants shall comply with the Sports Law of the People’s Republic of China, the Measures for the Management of Conduct and Discipline in Sports Events issued by the General Administration of Sport of China, as well as the relevant provisions on event conduct and discipline stipulated in the Implementation Rules for Conduct and Discipline Management in National Athletics Events and the Discipline Management Regulations for Road Running Events issued by the Chinese Athletics Association.

2. Disciplinary Measures

2.1 To strengthen the management of event conduct and discipline, the Organizing Committee strictly prohibits the private transfer (sale) or acceptance of transferred (purchased) race entries, and forbids all acts of bib swapping, unauthorized participation, counterfeit bibs, and the use of non-official race bibs to enter the course. Once verified, violators will be permanently banned from participating in the Wuxi Marathon and will be reported to the Chinese Athletics Association for additional sanctions. All consequences arising from acts such as bib swapping, unauthorized participation, or the use of forged bibs shall be borne solely by the violator. The Organizing Committee reserves the right to pursue legal liability for any economic loss or severe negative impact caused by such violations.

2.2 The Organizing Committee will implement video monitoring at the start area, along the entire course, and at the finish area. Participants committing any of the following violations during the race will be subject to disciplinary actions by the Wuxi Marathon Organizing Committee, in accordance with the competition rules and regulations. Depending on the severity of the circumstances, penalties may include: criticism and education, internal interviews, written inspections, temporary suspension from participation, disqualification from the race, annulment of race results, public notice of criticism, warnings, severe warnings, or restrictions/prohibitions on participating in this and/or subsequent events. Serious cases will be reported to the Chinese Athletics Association for an additional penalty of suspension from all road-running-related events and activities for 1–3 years, or up to a lifetime ban.

Violations include, but are not limited to:

- registering with a falsified age;

- concealing medical conditions while participating;

- participating under another person’s name, forging bibs or identification, or committing fraud;

- failing to wear the required race attire or bib as instructed;

- starting in a start zone different from the registered event or not following the prescribed starting order;

- false starts not in accordance with the official start time;

- entering the race course by any vehicle in violation of regulations;

- failing to follow the designated course, taking shortcuts, or joining the course after using other forms of transportation;

- pushing, shoving, colliding with, or tripping others during the race;

- taking another elite participant’s personal drinks/supplies without timely return;

- crossing the finish line repeatedly to obtain post-race items;

- collecting finisher souvenirs without completing the full course;

- failing to follow the instructions of event staff;

- insulting, fighting, or causing disturbances during the event;

- passive, non-competitive, or deliberately negative racing behavior;

- making improper statements regarding the event that causes an adverse impact;

- urinating in public, littering, smoking, or other improper behaviors;

- obstructing other participants (e.g., skipping rope, pushing strollers, bringing pets, etc.);

- non-disabled participants using wheelchairs to compete;

- other acts violating sportsmanship and ethical standards;

- other violations of competition rules and regulations.

2.3 In accordance with the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Public Security Administration Punishments and other relevant laws, regulations, and event policies, items such as umbrellas, canned or glass containers, extendable selfie sticks or stabilizers, flagpoles, or any object that may pose a safety hazard or interfere with event operations are strictly prohibited.

2.4 The Organizing Committee accepts supervision from participants and the public regarding violations or improper behaviors occurring during the event. Reports must include relevant details and supporting evidence and be submitted to the official email address: kefu@ihuipao.com within 10 days after the event.

2.5 Matters not covered herein shall be managed in accordance with the Jiangsu Road Running Event Coordination Mechanism, the technical regulations issued by the Chinese Athletics Association, and World Athletics.

XII. Race Insurance and Medical Assistance

1. The organizer will provide insurance coverage for all participants and staff. The insurance policy is based on the registration information provided; any incorrect registration details that fail to obtain insurance coverage shall be the sole responsibility of the registrant. Special Notes:

1.1 The insurance purchased by the organizing committee is for personal accident insurance. However, injuries or health issues arising from pre-existing medical conditions or bodily reasons are not covered under this accident insurance. Therefore, participants are advised to carefully consider their participation.

1.2 Participants who suffer injury or death during the event due to the use of stimulants or other prohibited substances shall bear full responsibility themselves.

2. The organizing committee will set up fixed medical stations at supply points along the course and at the finish line of each event. Ambulances and first-aid volunteers will be stationed along the route, and mobile AED emergency services will also be available.

During the race, the organizing committee will provide free, on-site emergency treatment limited to first aid. Any subsequent medical expenses incurred during hospital treatment shall be settled directly between the participant and the hospital. Participants may then apply for reimbursement from the insurance company or negotiate directly with the insurer, with the organizing committee providing the necessary supporting documents.

If a participant loses consciousness, the participant is deemed to have authorized the medical personnel and first-aid volunteers of the organizing committee to take all necessary emergency measures, including but not limited to CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), AED (automated external defibrillation), and arranging rapid transportation by rented vehicles or air transport. Any legal responsibilities and costs arising therefrom shall be borne solely by the participant.

To ensure participants' safety, race referees and staff authorized by the organizing committee have the right to stop any participant who is clearly unable to continue the race.

XIII. Technical Delegates, Officials, and Referees

The technical delegates, technical officials, and referees will be appointed by the World Athletics, the Chinese Athletics Association, and the Wuxi Road Running Association.

XIV. Event Cancellation and Emergency Measures

In the event of natural disasters, accidents, public health emergencies, social security incidents, or any other circumstances that may compromise the conditions for holding the race, the event organizing committee will, out of concern for the safety of all participants, make temporary changes to the race route, postpone the race, terminate the race early, or even cancel the race, depending on the specific situation. Regardless of the decision taken, participants must comply with the arrangements made by the organizing committee.

XV. Voluntary Assumption of Risk

The Civil Code of the People’s Republic of China establishes the principle of “voluntary assumption of risk” in sports and recreational activities. Article 1176 provides that: A person who voluntarily participates in a sports or recreational activity with certain inherent risks shall not claim tort liability from other participants for any damage caused by their conduct, unless such damage results from intentional misconduct or gross negligence by the other participants. 

If the organizer of a mass activity fails to fulfill its duty of safety protection and thereby causes damage to others, the organizer shall bear tort liability.

XVI. Event Organizing Committee Contacts

1. Tel: 400-99-42195 ext. 1 (Working hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 - 12:00, 13:00 – 17:00)  

2. Email: kefu@ihuipao.com

3. Website: wuximarathon.com

Participants are advised to select online consultation via the WeChat program “Race Assistant”.

XVII. The right to interpret these regulations belongs to the Wuxi Marathon Organizing Committee. Any matters not covered herein will be notified separately.

Wuxi Marathon Organizing Committee

December 2025