AsiaMacau

Macau Marathon

A flat, bridge-crossing tour of the dazzling casino enclave in cool December.

2.1/10 Difficulty
90m Elevation Gain
1981 Founded

Course Map

Elevation Profile
km
mi

Route based on 2025 course — may differ slightly from this year.

About this Race

The Macau Galaxy Entertainment International Marathon is a course through the dazzling casino enclave, crossing the bridges between the historic peninsula and the glittering Cotai strip on largely flat terrain. The level profile is reasonably fast, with the bridge crossings the main feature. Held in December, it offers the coolest window in the subtropical climate, though humidity can linger. The neon-lit cityscape and bridges define the day. It suits runners who want a flat, novel race through a unique East-meets-West enclave in the cooler season.

city bridges humid coastal urban

Course Insight

Macau's marathon is defined by its bridges, long exposed crossings between the peninsula and the islands that throw breezy rises into a December course run in lingering humidity. Pace the bridge climbs by effort and shelter from the wind where you can. The waterfront and skyline are scenic. Manage hydration in the sticky air. Run within yourself early and the bridge-heavy route stays manageable.

Pro tip: Pace the long bridge crossings by effort and shelter from the wind, managing the December humidity.

Difficulty Breakdown

2.1/10

Mostly due to very flat.

Elevation
1.9
Hill Placement
1.5
Weather
2.5
Turns
3.6

How we calculate difficulty →

Course Details

Course type
Loop
Elevation gain
90m
Elevation loss
85m
Highest point
35m
Lowest point
4m
Net elevation
+5m
Start
Starts and finishes at the Macau Olympic Complex Stadium, weaving through the Peninsula, Taipa, and Coloane.
Cutoff time
6h 0m

Race History

The Macau Galaxy Entertainment International Marathon was first held in 1981, one of Asia's longer-running marathons, crossing the bridges between the historic peninsula and the glittering Cotai strip of the casino enclave. Its largely flat course and cool December timing defined its character. From its founding it grew into a steady regional event. Held each December, it draws a field through the unique enclave.

Plan Your Trip

Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.

Nearest airport(s)
Macau International (MFM), Hong Kong (HKG) & Zhuhai (ZUH)
Best area to stay
The Macau Peninsula for proximity to the route and historic stays, Cotai for the big resort hotels, and Taipa Village for charming, characterful options.
Getting to the start
The start is near the Olympic complex on Taipa; take a taxi or hotel shuttle to the start, as the bridges and roads close.

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