International marathon registration opens Oct. 3-4, with 12,000 slots available

Organizers have announced that registration for the 2026 Galaxy Entertainment Macao International Marathon will open on Oct. 3 (Saturday) and Oct. 4 (Sunday).

As usual, registration slots will be available for a limited time and on a first-come, first-served basis.

At a press conference held late last week, organizers also noted that the number of registration slots for runners in each of the three race categories – mini marathon, half marathon and full marathon – will remain unchanged, with a total of 12,000 runners able to participate.

Places available for the event include 2,000 for the marathon, 5,000 for the half marathon and 5,000 for the mini marathon.

The event will once again open for registration on two separate dates, with registration for the marathon and half marathon starting at 9 a.m. on Oct. 3 and registration for the mini marathon starting at 9 a.m. on Oct. 4.

Anyone interested can register through the event’s website at http://www.macaomarathon.com or the “Macao Marathon” mobile application.

Organizers said that, as in previous editions, places are limited for each category and registration will close when all places are filled, which usually happens within a few hours, and advised interested parties to register as early as possible.

The event will take place on the roads of Taipa and Macau on Dec. 6, with the start and finish points at the Olympic Sports Center Stadium.

The starting signal for the marathon and half marathon races will be at 6 a.m., while the mini marathon race will start 20 minutes later, at 6:20 a.m.

The marathon and half marathon routes will pass by the Governor Nobre de Carvalho Bridge and A-Ma Temple and run along the Sai Van Bridge.

At the press conference, the new Sports Bureau (ID) president, Deland Leong, said the Macao International Marathon has grown alongside the city and flourished with the local sports industry. It has not only witnessed the passion and perseverance of countless runners, but has also become an important window for showcasing Macau’s urban character and its appeal as a cultural tourism destination.

For these reasons, Leong said the marathon “stands as a signature event in Macau’s efforts to promote diversified development of sports,” as well as an attraction “capable of driving the integrated development of the cultural, sports and tourism sectors, supporting the continued advancement of Macau’s economic diversification.”

Title-sponsored by Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) for the past 23 years, the event will continue to receive support from the group.

At the press conference, Philip Cheng, director of GEG, noted the fact and remarked: “As the event celebrates its 45th edition this year, GEG will continue to collaborate with the organizers and stakeholders to enrich Macau’s ‘Tourism + Sports’ offering through the event and a series of related activities.”

As in previous editions, participants, residents and tourists can enjoy a series of ancillary activities, including the “2026 Galaxy Entertainment Macao International Marathon Carnival.”