Hosted by Chinese Athletic Association (CAA) and the Guangzhou Municipal People's Government, organized by Administration of Sports of Guangzhou Municipality, Yuexiu District People's Government, Haizhu District People's Government, Liwan District People's Government, Tianhe District People's Government, Guangzhou Sports Competitions Center and Guangzhou Athletic Association, Guangzhou Marathon is an annual international sports event in Guangzhou. Approved by General Administration of Sport of China, Guangdong Province People's Government and Guangzhou Municipal People's Government, Guangzhou Marathon is a high level marathon event recorded by International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and CAA calendar. Guangzhou Marathon was launched in 2012 and certified by CAA as the A level event. From 2014 to 2017, Guangzhou Marathon was recognized as the CAA Gold Medal Race for four consecutive years. The year of 2018 has seen this event was upgraded as IAAF Gold Label Road Race after it was awarded as IAAF Bronze and Silver Label Road Race successively in 2016 and 2017 . 

Themed as “Renowned City, Harmony and Health”, Guangzhou Marathon combines the charm of competition and the idea of national fitness. It becomes a glamorous city name card, helping to promote Guangzhou Asian Games spirit and to develop national fitness, proposing a healthy lifestyle, enhancing the visibility and influence of Guangzhou, and displaying great economic and social achievements of Guangzhou, Guangdong, and China. 

The course of Guangzhou Marathon has been set alongside the Pearl River. It excellently showcases the most unique Lingnan culture, the most time-honored scenic spots and the most stylish cultural trend. Every year, marathon fans show great enthusiasm to Guangzhou Marathon and actively take part in it. 

2017 Guangzhou Marathon was successfully held with an entry quota of 30,000 runners from 48 various countries and regions. In 2018, the seventh edition of Guangzhou Marathon will be held on December 9 with the entry quota remaining 30,000 runners (20,000 for Marathon, and 10,000 for Half Marathon). The Organizing Committee will continuously endeavor to provide best services to improve the running experience of participants, and will launch diversified activities to promote and expand the influences of the event, making it a city gala for all.