The 2026 Qingdao (Shanghai Cooperation Organization Demonstration Zone) Jiaozhou Bay Bridge Marathon will officially kick off on October 25. The event's organizer, Qingdao Qingma Aipao Sports Culture Co., Ltd., made the announcement today, marking the official return of the classic event, known to runners as the "Qingdao Sea Marathon," after a hiatus of several years.
The race course is built upon the world-renowned Jiaozhou Bay Bridge. With a total length of 42.23 kilometers, the bridge serves as a key coastal development artery for the Shandong Peninsula Blue Economic Zone. Recognized for its exceptional engineering quality, the bridge has been named to Forbes' list of the "World's Most Beautiful Bridges", received the prestigious George S. Richardson Medal, and won China's Highway Engineering Award (Li Chun Award). Built to a century-long durability standard, it stands as a world-class cross-sea infrastructure benchmark. This unique sea-crossing marathon course, a rare gem in China and exclusive to Qingdao, offers runners an unobstructed 360-degree panoramic view of the sea. As they traverse the 42.195-kilometer journey, the magnificence of the bridge and the vastness of the ocean converge, offering runners a moving experience unique to these waters.
Measuring the coast with every stride, embracing the blue with every step—this race across the sea and sky is not only the ultimate romantic experience for runners but also a special tribute to the city. According to the event organizer, the race committee is now pushing forward with all preparatory work at full speed, meticulously refining every detail of the event to provide runners with a superior experience through professional operations and thoughtful service. On October 25, a multitude of runners will gather for this long-awaited running date.
Editor: Wang Lei/ Zhang Yishuo
