[3][4][5] In 2015, Sentayehu Merga Ejigu crossed the finish line first with a course record time of 2:09:57, but was later disqualified for failing an in-competition drug test.

[6][7][8] This led to the promotion of the second runner to cross the finish line, Abdellah Tagharrafet, to first place.

[9][10][11][a] As a result, the third runner to cross the finish line, Ethiopian Raji Assefa, was then promoted to first place.

[14] In 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic, only runners who resided in areas of mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan that were deemed to be at low risk for the virus were allowed to participate.

[20][21] Beginning at Tianhe Stadium, the marathon initially heads south to the Pearl River.