The Chiang Mai Marathon is one of northern Thailand’s leading road-running events, attracting thousands of local and international competitors to the heart of Chiang Mai.
Held during the cooler early hours of a December morning, the event offers a full marathon, half marathon, 10-kilometre race and three-kilometre Smile Run. Every distance begins at historic Tha Phae Gate, creating a memorable atmosphere as runners gather beside the eastern entrance to Chiang Mai’s Old City.
The 2026 Chiang Mai Marathon will take place on Sunday, 20 December. Races begin before sunrise, with separate starting times for each distance.
Chiang Mai Marathon Race Distances and Times
The programme accommodates experienced distance runners, recreational entrants, families and children.
Marathon – 42.195 kilometres
Start: 3am
Cut-off: 10am
Start: Tha Phae Gate
Finish: King Naresuan the Great Monument, Mae Rim
Half Marathon – 21.1 kilometres
Start: 4am
Cut-off: 7:30am
Start: Tha Phae Gate
Finish: King Naresuan the Great Monument, Mae Rim
10K Run
Start: 5am
Cut-off: 6:30am
Start and finish: Tha Phae Gate
3K Smile Run and Kids Run
Start: 5:20am
Start and finish: Tha Phae Gate
The Smile Run includes a non-competitive open category, a Kids Run for children aged 12 and under and a Fancy Runner category. Competitors should check the organiser’s rules and age requirements carefully when selecting a category.
The Marathon and Half Marathon Course
The marathon and half marathon begin at Tha Phae Gate, then travel north from central Chiang Mai toward Mae Rim. Both races finish at the King Naresuan the Great Monument in Mae Rim rather than returning to the starting point.
The organiser describes the course as flat, with no major hills. This can make the event appealing to runners pursuing a personal best, although the early starting times, distance and changing temperature still require suitable preparation.
A free return shuttle operates from the finish area at King Naresuan the Great Monument to Tha Phae Gate between 6:30am and 10:30am. Marathon and half-marathon runners should account for this point-to-point arrangement when planning transport, baggage and post-race meetings.
The 10K and three-kilometre events both start and finish at Tha Phae Gate, making them convenient options for participants staying close to the Old City.
Race Day Schedule
The marathon baggage service operates at Tha Phae Gate from 2am until 2:50am, before the full marathon begins at 3am.
Half-marathon runners can lodge baggage from 3am until 3:50am. The half marathon starts at 4am.
Baggage service for the 10K and three-kilometre events runs from 3:30am to 4:50am. The 10K begins at 5am, followed by the Smile Run and Kids Run at 5:20am.
The awards ceremony for the 10K and three-kilometre events is scheduled at Tha Phae Gate from 7am until 8:30am. Awards for the marathon and half marathon are presented in Mae Rim from 7:30am until 9:30am.
Participants should arrive well before their scheduled race and allow time for baggage services, toilet queues, warm-ups and access restrictions around the starting area.
Entry Fees
Registration is required for every race. Entry prices for overseas and foreign competitors vary by distance and registration period.
Regular registration from 16 June to 31 October 2026 costs:
- Marathon: 1,500 THB
- Half marathon: 1,200 THB
- 10K Run: 700 THB
- 3K Smile Run: 600 THB
- 3K Kids Run: 500 THB
Delayed registration from 1 to 20 November 2026 costs:
- Marathon: 2,000 THB
- Half marathon: 1,500 THB
- 10K Run: 800 THB
- 3K Smile Run: 700 THB
- 3K Kids Run: 600 THB
Charity registration is scheduled from 1 to 15 December 2026, subject to places remaining:
- Marathon: 2,500 THB
- Half marathon: 2,000 THB
- 10K Run: 1,000 THB
- 3K Smile Run: 800 THB
- 3K Kids Run: 700 THB
Application, payment and credit card service charges are additional. Registration fees are non-refundable, so entrants should review the race conditions before completing their booking.
Race inclusions vary by distance but may include a souvenir shirt, medal, timing chip, electronic certificate, refreshments, goodie bag and event accident insurance. Full-marathon finishers also receive a finisher shirt.
Race Pack Collection
The 2026 race expo and race pack collection will be held at Tha Phae Gate on Friday, 18 and Saturday, 19 December, from 10am to 6pm.
Entrants should have their passport or registration identification available when collecting their race pack. Runners should confirm whether another person may collect on their behalf before making alternative arrangements.
International entrants whose flights reach Chiang Mai Airport after 5pm on Saturday, 19 December should contact the organiser by email in advance to discuss special race pack collection.
Getting to Tha Phae Gate
Tha Phae Gate is on the eastern side of Chiang Mai’s Old City and is one of the city’s best-known landmarks. You can reach it by red songthaew, tuk-tuk, taxi, or app-based transport from most central accommodation areas.
Because the first race starts at 3am and road closures may affect surrounding streets, runners should organise transport before race morning. Those staying within the Old City or near Tha Phae Road may find walking the most reliable option.
Spectators can watch the early starts at Tha Phae Gate, while the 10K and Smile Run participants also return to the square to finish. Anyone planning to support a marathon or half-marathon runner at the finish must arrange separate transport to Mae Rim.
Chiang Mai Marathon FAQs
When is the Chiang Mai Marathon?
The 2026 Chiang Mai Marathon will be held on Sunday, 20 December.
Where does the Chiang Mai Marathon start?
Every race starts at Tha Phae Gate on the eastern side of Chiang Mai’s Old City.
What time does the Chiang Mai Marathon start?
The full marathon starts at 3am, the half marathon at 4am, the 10K at 5am and the three-kilometre events at 5:20am.
Do all races finish at Tha Phae Gate?
No. The 10K and three-kilometre races finish at Tha Phae Gate, but the marathon and half marathon finish at the King Naresuan the Great Monument in Mae Rim.
Is transport provided from the marathon finish?
Yes. A free shuttle will carry marathon and half-marathon runners from the Mae Rim finish area back to Tha Phae Gate between 6:30am and 10:30am.
How much does it cost to enter?
Regular overseas entry fees range from 500 THB for the Kids Run to 1,500 THB for the marathon. Prices increase during the delayed and charity registration periods, and payment service charges are additional.
Where can runners collect their race packs?
Race pack collection will be available at Tha Phae Gate from 10am to 6pm on 18 and 19 December 2026.
Can children enter the Chiang Mai Marathon?
Yes. The three-kilometre Kids Run is available for children aged 12 and under. Entrants should check the organiser’s current rules and registration requirements before booking.
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