Macau Galaxy Entertainment International Marathon has had many course changes since it began in 1981 but it has always been a run between mainland Macau and the islands of Taipa and Coloane.

Runners are never far from the sea in this Chinese special administrative region on the edge of the South China Sea. The marathon route is twice the Half Marathon course, which means following the waterfront for much of the way and crossing the spectacular 2.2km Ponte de Sai Van bridge four times.
The marathon, half marathon and 5k mini marathon attracts runners from Macau, Hong Kong, mainland China and throughout the world. The organisers aim is to develop local sports, raise the level of running and strengthen friendships with people from different parts of the world, while contributing to the promotion of tourism in Macau.

Macau was the first and last European colony in China. Portuguese traders first settled there in the 16th century and administered the region until the official handover back to China in December 1999.

The distinctive Portuguese influence led to the Macau old town being declared a World Heritage Site in 2005.

It is this cultural mix and the seaside course that make the Macau Marathon worth running. Earlybird entries close on 31st October and registrations are accepted until 1st December.