Abstract: This present paper reviews Chinese male marathoners' performance in the past 4 major sports games, including the number of participants and finishers, ranking, and results, then makes a comparison of personal best result, competition result, pacing strategy, percentage of segment speed,and the correlation of section performance and overall performance between top 8 marathoners in previous games and Chinese athletes. The results show that Chinese athletes' results and competition ability are on the rise. The pacing strategy of top 8 marathoners presents a "M"shape trend. Their average speed in the 10~35 km section is always higher than theiroverall average speed.They accelerate again at 25 km point, which continues to the 35 km point before declining. Their section speed in the whole race fluctuates slightly, while Chinese athletes' section speed declines dramatically. Chinese athletes' speed ahead of 25 km point is higher than their average speed, and after the point lower than their average speed. Starting from the 10 km point, Chinese athletes' speed presents an almost vertical line drop. The top 8 marathoners didn't accelerate at the final stage, and Chinese athletes did not make obvious acceleration attempt either. Improving Chinese athletes' ability to retain their speed at the middle and final stage and allocating their physical energy reasonably can effectively improve their performance.

Key words: Chinese male marathoners, competition ability, pacing strategy, major sports event, competition performance