The China Resources Shimei Bay 2026 Wanning Marathon will take place on January 25, with runners setting off from Wanning Cultural and Sports Square and heading into one of Hainan’s most scenic coastal landscapes. Covering the full marathon distance of 42.195 kilometers, the event once again uses running as a way to experience Wanning’s natural setting, local culture, and growing reputation as an active seaside city.
A Route Shaped by Coast and Countryside
The full marathon course begins in central Wanning and follows County Road 432 before joining the Hainan Island Scenic Loop Tourist Highway, finishing at Jiuli Cultural Bay in Shimei Bay. Along the way, runners move from quiet coconut-lined roads to open coastal views, combining shaded stretches with long glimpses of the sea.
The half marathon, measuring 21.0975 kilometers, shares the same starting point. Early in the race, runners can see Dongshan Ridge outlined against the morning sky. The route continues past beaches, coconut groves, and fishing communities, before ending on the sands of Wuchang Harbor, where the final meters are run alongside the ocean.
Together, the two courses offer different distances but the same sense of place, highlighting Wanning’s mix of tropical scenery and everyday coastal life.
Getting Around and Exploring the City
To make race weekend easier for visiting runners, several transport and travel services will be in place:
During race-pack collection, free shuttle buses will run between Wanning Station and the collection site.
On race day, free return shuttles will operate from the finish area back to Wanning Station.
From January 24 to 25, participants can ride Wanning city buses free of charge by showing their race bib.
Race bibs also provide discounts at selected scenic attractions, making it easier for runners to explore the city before or after the event.
These arrangements are designed to help runners move smoothly between the race, their accommodations, and Wanning’s main sights.
Support Along the Course and at the Finish
Aid stations along the route will provide tropical fruit alongside standard race supplies. Cheering zones are planned at multiple points, with residents, community groups, and local organizations lining the course to support participants throughout the run.
At the finish area, runners will find recovery services such as cold therapy and professional stretching, continuing practices from previous years. New this year is the addition of Hou’an rice noodles and Nanyang-style pastries, giving finishers a chance to refuel with local flavors immediately after crossing the line.
A Key Event on Wanning’s 2026 Calendar
The 2026 Wanning Marathon is positioned as one of the city’s major cultural and sports events of the year. Building on earlier editions, organizers aim to refine race operations and services while keeping the focus on runner experience and the city’s coastal setting.
At the pre-race briefing, organizers also unveiled the finisher’s medal, participant race shirt, detailed race routes, and the overall event support plan, along with recognizing sponsoring partners supporting this year’s marathon.
For runners, the event offers more than a race distance. It is an opportunity to move through Wanning’s beaches, roads, and communities at a human pace, seeing the city not from a tour bus or car window, but step by step along the coast.
Related article: Hainan to Host Eight Marathons in 2026
