Selected 2026 Marathon Highlights

Jeju International Tourism Marathon Festival｜Jeju — May

• Race date: To be announced (25 May in 2025)
• Registration deadline: To be announced (closed on 8 April in 2025, which was one of the most popular Korea marathon races)
• Travel / Things to do:

1. Seongsan Ilchulbong (UNESCO): Catch the sunrise from the summit
2. Manjanggul Lava Tube: Explore a world-class lava tube cave
3. Woljeongri / Gimnyeong Beach: Relax by the sea before or after the race
4. Black Pork Street or sashimi: Refuel with Jeju’s local specialties

Taipei Starlight Marathon｜Taipei — May

• Race date: 16 May 2026 (Sat) — starting at Dajia Riverside Park; distances include 43K / 21.5K / 11K / 5K
• Registration deadline: 12 April 2026, 23:59 (online registration; please take note of the registration date for this popular Taiwan marathon, may close early once full)
• Travel / Things to do:

1. Dadaocheng Wharf & Xia Hai City God Temple: Old-town strolls and riverside sunsets
2. Songshan Cultural and Creative Park: Exhibitions, shops, and cafés
3. Elephant Mountain Trail: Night views of Taipei 101 and Xinyi
4. Night markets: Post-race eats at Raohe or Ningxia

Huangyaguan Great Wall International Marathon｜Beijing (assembly) / Jizhou, Tianjin — May

• Race date: 16 May 2026 (Sat) — Full Marathon / Half Marathon / 8.5K
• Registration deadline: 16 April 2026 (per official announcement; late registration may be accepted before the race fills, with different fees; some international runners are required to book race packages)
• Travel / Things to do:

1. The Forbidden City (Palace Museum) & Jingshan Park: Climb Jingshan to views Beijing’s historic Central Axis
2. Temple of Heaven Park: Iconic, blue-roofed Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests
3. Beijing hutongs & Qianmen Street: Old-city charm and local street food
4. Huangyaguan Great Wall Scenic Area, Jizhou: A unique Beijing marathon experience with course preview and watchtower viewpoints

Laguna Phuket Marathon｜Phuket — June

• Race dates: 13–14 June 2026 (Sat–Sun) — AIMS certified; distances include 42K / 21K / 10K / 5K / 2K
• Registration deadline: To be announced (tiered pricing: early bird / regular / on-site; entries close once full)
• Travel / Things to do:

1. Laguna Lagoon & Bang Tao / Nai Yang Beach: Easy morning runs and sunset views
2. Phuket Old Town: Colourful Sino-Portuguese streets and café hopping   
3. Island hopping & snorkelling (Phi Phi / Racha Island): Unwind after the race
4. Muay Thai / Spa: Perfect for post-race recovery and relaxation

Standard Chartered Kuala Lumpur Marathon (KLSCM)｜Kuala Lumpur (Subang) — October

• Race dates: 3–4 October 2026 (Sat–Sun) — Full and Half Marathons mainly held on 4 October
• Registration deadline: To be announced (subject to organiser announcements; registration has been released in phases in previous years)
• Travel / Things to do:

1. Petronas Twin Towers & Skybridge: Iconic city landmarks
2. Batu Caves: Limestone cliffs, giant statues, and colourful steps
3. Petaling Street / Jalan Alor: Night market food crawl
4. Putrajaya architectural tour: An easy half-day trip from the city

Fukuoka Marathon｜Fukuoka — November

• Race date: 8 November 2026 (Sun) (per official announcement), one of the most popular Japan marathon in the 2026 marathon calendar.
• Registration deadline: To be announced (subject to organiser updates)
• Travel / Things to do:

1. Yatai stalls (Nakasu / Tenjin): Late-night street food hopping
2. Ohori Park & Fukuoka Castle Ruins: Post-race walks and relaxation
3. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine: Shrine of learning and treats along the approach
4. Canal City Hakata: Shopping, light displays, and water shows

Kobe Marathon｜Kobe — November

• Race date: Mid-November 2026 (exact date to be announced by the organiser)
• Registration deadline: To be announced (in recent years, registration typically opens from late spring to summer and closes once full)
• Travel / Things to do:

1. Kobe beef teppanyaki: A protein-packed post-race treat
2. Arima Onsen: Recover with a soak in the famous Gold and Silver Springs
3. Kitano Ijinkan & Mount Maya / Mount Rokko night views: One skyline, with city, mountain, and sea views
4. Kobe Port & Harborland: Ferris wheel rides and waterfront night scenery

Chiang Mai Marathon｜Chiang Mai — December

• Race date: 20 December 2026 (Sun)
• Registration deadline: To be announced (subject to organiser updates)
• Travel / Things to do:

1. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: Take in sweeping views of the old city at dawn
2. Old City temple hopping: Wat Chedi Luang and other historic temples
3. Nimmanhaemin Road cafés: Artsy strolls by day; night markets and the Sunday Walking Street after dark

Naha Marathon｜Okinawa — December

• Race date: 6 December 2026 (Sun)
• Registration deadline: Expected between July–August (international runners usually open in early July; entries close once full; subject to the latest official announcements)
• Travel / Things to do:

1. Shuri Castle Park: Open to visitors, including areas under reconstruction
2. Kokusai Street & Makishi Market: Local street food and souvenir shopping
3. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (northern Okinawa): Don’t miss the iconic “Kuroshio Sea” tank
4. Cape Manzamo / Zanpa Cape: Limestone coastal cliffs and sunset views

Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM)｜Penang — December

• Race date: 13 December 2026 (Sun)
• Registration deadline: To be announced (subject to organiser announcements)
• Travel / Things to do:

1. George Town UNESCO World Heritage Area: Street art, heritage shophouses, and Peranakan culture
2. Kek Lok Si Temple & Penang Hill: Panoramic views of the strait and city skyline
3. Batu Ferringhi Beach: Unwind by the sea after the race
4. New Lane Hawker Centre: Laksa, char kway teow, and Hokkien mee—all in one stop

Your Most Common Marathon-Travel Questions

Q1｜Overview of Selected Marathon Races and Months

• Jeju International Tourism Marathon Festival: Date to be announced
• Taipei Starlight Marathon: 16 May 2026 (Sat)
• Huangyaguan Great Wall International Marathon (Jizhou, Tianjin / Beijing assembly): 16 May 2026 (Sat)
• Laguna Phuket Marathon: 13–14 June 2026 (Sat–Sun)
• Standard Chartered Kuala Lumpur Marathon (KLSCM): 3–4 October 2026 (Sat–Sun)
• Fukuoka Marathon: 8 November 2026 (Sun)
• Kobe Marathon: Mid-November 2026 (exact date to be announced)
• Chiang Mai Marathon: 20 December 2026 (Sun)
• Naha Marathon: 6 December 2026 (Sun)
• Penang Bridge International Marathon: 13 December 2026 (Sun)

Q2｜How do registration deadlines and entry rules differ across marathon races? 

• Jeju International Tourism Marathon Festival: To be announced; 8 April was the 2025 deadline for reference.
• Taipei Starlight Marathon: Open until 12 April 2026, 23:59; online registration, closes early once full.
• Huangyaguan Great Wall International Marathon: Registration closes on 16 April 2026; most international runners are required to book official travel packages or eligible regional options.
• Laguna Phuket Marathon: Tiered pricing (early bird / regular / on-site); no confirmed deadline yet, entries close once full.
• Standard Chartered Kuala Lumpur Marathon (KLSCM): To be announced by the organiser.
• Fukuoka / Kobe / Chiang Mai / Naha / Penang Marathons: All subject to organiser announcements; Naha Marathon typically opens registration for international runners between July and August

Q3｜Marathon Course Difficulty and Key Highlights

• Jeju International Tourism Marathon Festival (May)
  Primarily coastal roads, usually offering full marathon, half marathon, and 10K distances; typically held in late spring (exact 2026 date to be announced).
• Taipei Starlight Marathon (May)
  Flat riverside night course with steady pacing; cut-off times: Full marathon – 6.5 hrs / Half – 4 hrs / 11K – 2.5 hrs / 5K – 1.5 hrs.
• Huangyaguan Great Wall International Marathon (May)
  A legendary challenge featuring 5,164 stone steps and two ascents of the Great Wall; total cut-off time 8 hours, with sectional controls in the latter stages.
• Laguna Phuket Marathon (June)
  AIMS-certified with gentle elevation changes; tropical island setting, multiple race distances, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
• Standard Chartered Kuala Lumpur Marathon (October)
  Urban road race; detailed cut-off times and categories to be confirmed in the annual official guide.
• Fukuoka Marathon (November)
  A scenic route from city streets to the coastline; cut-off times listed in the official race handbook.
• Kobe Marathon (November)
  Combines harbour views with Mount Rokko scenery; usually held in mid-November (exact 2026 date to be announced), starting near City Hall—details subject to organiser updates.
• Chiang Mai Marathon (December)
  Mostly flat Old City routes with early-morning starts; 20 December 2026, offering full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 3K events.
• Naha Marathon (December)
  Urban course with coastal breezes; full marathon cut-off time 6 hours 15 minutes, with famously enthusiastic crowd support.
• Penang Bridge International Marathon (December)
  Exposed bridge sections with strong sun; pacing is key. Cut-off times: Full – 7 hrs / Half – 3 hrs 30 mins / 10K – 1 hr 30 mins

Q4｜How should runners prepare for marathons in different seasons?

• April–May (Jeju / Taipei / Huangyaguan): Big temperature swings between morning and evening—dress in layers, use sun protection, and plan electrolytes. For the Great Wall race, expect strong sun, lots of stairs, and conservative pacing.
• June (Phuket): Hot and humid conditions; hydration and electrolytes are essential even with early starts. Use ice sponges and cooling sprays where available.
• November–December (Fukuoka / Kobe / Chiang Mai / Naha / Penang): Mostly cool to warm—bring a light windbreaker. In tropical locations (Penang, Chiang Mai, southern Okinawa), watch humidity and sun exposure.

Weather can vary. These are general guidelines—always check the local forecast in the week before race day.

Q5｜Which marathon are best for first-timers or runners making a comeback?

• Taipei Starlight Marathon: Multiple distance options, flat courses, and an evening start that’s easier to fit into your schedule.
• Laguna Phuket Marathon: AIMS-certified with well-supported aid stations and plenty of family-friendly activities—ideal for easing back in with the 10K or 5K.
• For runners who prioritise scenery and overall experience: Choose based on the season, such as Naha for its lively city atmosphere or Penang for its iconic bridge crossing.

Q6｜Any short trip ideas before or after the marathon race?

• Jeju: Seongsan Ilchulbong, Manjanggul Lava Tube, and Gimnyeong or Woljeongri Beach
• Taipei: Dadaocheng, Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, Elephant Mountain, and night markets
• Huangyaguan / Beijing: The Forbidden City and Jingshan Park, the Temple of Heaven, and hutong walks
• Phuket: Phuket Old Town, Bang Tao or Nai Yang Beach, island-hopping snorkelling, and Thai spa sessions
• Kuala Lumpur: Petronas Twin Towers, Batu Caves, Petaling Street, and Putrajaya architecture
• Fukuoka / Kobe: Yatai street food, Arima Onsen, and harbour night views
• Chiang Mai: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Old City temples, and the Sunday Walking Street
• Naha: Shuri Castle, Kokusai Street, and Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
• Penang: George Town UNESCO area, Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang Hill, and Batu Ferringhi

These are travel ideas for inspiration. Actual opening hours and access are subject to local announcements.

Q7｜Are there any special rules for international or non-local runners?

• Huangyaguan Great Wall Marathon: International runners usually register via official partner or special packages, which may include transport and course briefings; rules and fees depend on the organiser.
• Naha Marathon: International registration typically opens July–August, with limited slots on a first-come, first-served basis.

Q8｜What’s the best way to plan an overseas race trip?

Arrive at least one day before race day (or two days ahead for the Great Wall or island races) to acclimatise and collect your race pack. After the race, allow one extra day for recovery and sightseeing, and to avoid rushing flights or logistics.

Marathon Pre-Race Planning & Preparation 

Flight Booking: Arrive at least one day before race day (or two days ahead for the Great Wall or island races) to acclimatise and collect your race pack. After the race, allow one extra day for recovery and sightseeing, and to avoid rushing flights or logistics. When planning your trip, you may explore direct or nearby destination flight options with HK Express. Booking early helps secure preferred schedules and promotional fares, making your runcation planning smoother and more flexible.
Accommodation Arrangement: Once registration is confirmed, secure accommodation near the race venue as early as possible. This helps minimize travel time on race day and reduces the risk of unexpected delays.
Race Pack Collection: Pay close attention to the official announcement regarding race pack collection dates, times, and locations. Some events do not allow same-day collection, so ensure you allocate sufficient time to complete the check-in procedures.
Gear Check: Inspect your race shoes, apparel, bib fasteners, timing chip, and other essential items in advance. Preparing backup items to handle any unexpected situations.

Marathon Race Day Reminders

Arrive Early: Reach the venue ahead of time to allow for warm-up, baggage drop-off, and familiarizing yourself with the race flow and venue layout.
Nutrition: Stick to a familiar breakfast and fueling strategy. Avoid trying new foods on race day to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort.
Baggage Preparation: Organize your drop bag with essentials such as a change of clothes, towel, and a light jacket for after the race.
Pacing Strategy: Follow your planned pace. Maintain a steady rhythm while enjoying the race atmosphere.
Weather Considerations: For winter marathons, pay special attention to staying warm before the start and changing into dry clothing promptly after finishing to prevent catching a chill.

Post-Race Recovery & Travel

Rest & Recovery: Allow your muscles adequate time to recover and avoid high-intensity activities immediately after the race.
Refueling: Replenish fluids, electrolytes, and carbohydrates promptly to support recovery.
Post-Race Exploration: Plan lighter sightseeing activities to explore local attractions and cuisine, making your runcation experience even more rewarding.

Q9｜What are the policies on changes, refunds, and entry transfers?

• Huangyaguan Great Wall Marathon: Late registration fees and post-deadline restrictions apply; international runners must follow package terms, and rules may vary by entrant category.
• Taipei Starlight Marathon: No on-site registration; online sign-up with mail-in race pack collection. Other changes are subject to the official race guidelines, and entries close once full.
• Most races: Name changes or entry transfers are restricted or not allowed. Always refer to the “Registration Guidelines” on each race’s official website.

References

• Jeju International Tourism Marathon Festival (Official)
  https://jejumarathon.com
• Taipei Starlight Marathon (Organiser: Taiwan Triathlon Association)
  https://bao-ming.com/eb/content/6839
• Huangyaguan Great Wall International Marathon (Official) | The Great Wall Marathon
  https://great-wall-marathon.com
• Laguna Phuket Marathon (Official) | Registration
  https://phuketmarathon.com/registration/
• Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (Official)
  https://www.kl-marathon.com/
• Fukuoka Marathon (Official Announcement)
  https://www.f-marathon.jp/
• Kobe Marathon (Official 2025 Runner Guidelines; 2026 details subject to the organiser’s latest announcement)
  https://global.kobe-marathon.net/2025/global/runner/guidelines/
• Chiang Mai Marathon (Official)
  https://www.chiangmaimarathon.com/
• Naha Marathon (Official)
  https://naha-marathon.jp/en/
• Penang Bridge International Marathon (Official)
  https://penangmarathon.gov.my/