On March 27, a news conference for the 2026 ICF Canoe Marathon World Cup was held in Chengdu, where the organizing committee announced key details, including the event schedule, venue, scale of participation, competition categories, and the latest progress in preparations.
The 2026 ICF Canoe Marathon World Cup, a top-tier international Class A water sports event, will take place in Bazhong, Sichuan Province, China, from May 20 to 24, 2026. This marks the third time the event has been held in China and its first appearance in Bazhong.
The competition is organized by the International Canoe Federation (ICF) and jointly hosted by the Water Sports Management Center of the General Administration of Sport of China, the Chinese Canoeing Association, the Sichuan Provincial Sports Bureau, and the Bazhong Municipal People’s Government. It is co-organized by the Sichuan Water Sports Management Center, the Bazhong Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Sports and Tourism, and the People’s Government of Bazhou District.
The races will be held along the Bazhong section of the Ba River in Bazhou District. According to the schedule, May 20 will be the arrival and registration day, May 21–22 will be designated for official training, and May 23–24 will be day for the official competitions.
The event is expected to attract nearly 400 athletes from more than 20 countries and regions, including over 100 international competitors. In addition, 30 elite paddlers from around the world will be specially invited to participate.
Debut in Bazhong: Blending Elite Competition with Public Engagement
According to organizers, canoe marathon is a sport that combines human endurance with the forces of nature, and balances strength, technique, and strategy. After the sound of the starting signal, hundreds of boats surge forward, slicing through the water in a dramatic display as a fleet racing for the lead.
In elite competitions, athletes must not only navigate challenging river conditions but also complete multiple portages throughout the course. Competitors carry their boats—often weighing over 5 kilograms—while running barefoot across land before swiftly re-entering the water.
This unique format, in which athletes remain closely connected to their boats throughout the race, combines speed and intensity with tactical complexity. It is this distinctive blend that has made canoe marathon a widely popular discipline worldwide. Beyond physical endurance, it is also a test of resilience and determination.
Natural Ba River Course: Integrating Sport with Culture and Tourism
Why was Bazhong chosen to host such a prestigious international event?
According to the International Canoe Federation, the decision followed a comprehensive assessment of Bazhong’s geographical advantages, event-hosting capabilities, and cultural resources. The city was found to offer ideal conditions for water sports, strong organizational capacity for international competitions, and a distinctive charm as a city shaped by its natural landscape.
A Window to the World: Showcasing City Identity Through Sport
In recent years, Bazhong has actively promoted the integration of sports and cultural tourism, strengthening its city brand characterized by “poetic landscapes and rich revolutionary heritage.”
Recognized as a National Civilized City and a National Demonstration Zone for Ecological Civilization, and ranked among China’s Top Ten Most Beautiful Cities, Bazhong is home to one UNESCO Global Geopark, one national 5A-level tourist attraction, and 21 4A-level scenic sites.Blessed with natural beauty, enriched by history, and defined by its cultural legacy, Bazhong presents itself as both a scenic destination and a repository of heritage.
Faced with the opportunity presented by this international event, the city aims to further enhance its global profile by turning the competition into a platform for showcasing its image.
Bazhong plans to attract visitors through the event, retain them through quality services, and sustain interest through integrated industries. By promoting a model that combines “watching the competition, exploring Bazhong, and enjoying local experiences,” the city seeks to offer a comprehensive visitor experience.
In addition, by aligning with occasions such as International Museum Day and China Tourism Day, Bazhong will connect its scenic areas, commercial districts, and cultural venues through joint ticketing, promotional offers, and themed activities. These efforts aim to transform event-driven traffic into sustained momentum for tourism and local consumption.
Media Contact
Company Name: Bazhong Chuanshao Network Culture Communication Co., Ltd.
Contact Person: Shi Haowen
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Country: China
Website: https://bazhong.scol.com.cn
