Beijing Half Marathon

The Beijing Half Marathon takes runners along the wide boulevards of China’s capital, passing many of the city’s most recognizable landmarks before finishing in the Olympic district. The race starts on the east side road of Tian’anmen Square, before heading north through major avenues in the city center. Early in the race, runners pass several prominent cultural sites including the National Museum of China, the National Centre for the Performing Arts, and the Military Museum. From there, the route heads toward the Olympic Green, passing Olympic venues including the National Aquatics Center (Water Cube) and the National Speed Skating Oval before finishing on Landscape Avenue near the National Stadium, also known as the Bird’s Nest, built for the 2008 Olympic Games. The terrain is mostly flat with minimal elevation change, typical of Beijing’s broad urban layout.