Shanghai Marathon

Shanghai Marathon course route

The Shanghai Marathon is a loop starting on the Bund and finishing at Shanghai Stadium, following the Huangpu River, passing Pudong's skyline, and looping through Century Park. The course is mostly flat, with only gentle undulations on river crossings that make the bridge sections the tougher interruptions to an otherwise fast route. Spectators line the Bund at the start, cheer along Nanjing Road, and gather near the stadium finish.

Shanghai Marathon elevation profile

The Shanghai Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 25 metres of climbing and 25 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.

Entry requirements

Shanghai Marathon is held in late November — typically the last Sunday of the month. Entry is by lottery, one of China's most competitive, with demand from China's large and growing running community far exceeding available spots. The lottery opens in summer and closes within weeks. Some international travel packages offer guaranteed entries through official channels. The field is approximately 38,000 runners across all distances.

Shanghai Marathon course video

Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.

27th Shanghai Marathon sees 38,000 participants and a new men's course record

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Shanghai Marathon elevation profile?

The Shanghai Marathon has 25 metres of total climbing and 25 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.

How long is the Shanghai Marathon?

The Shanghai Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. From the Bund to Shanghai Stadium.

Is the Shanghai Marathon flat?

Yes. The Shanghai Marathon is mostly flat with gentle undulations with 25 metres of total climbing over 42.195 km (26.2 miles) — a profile that suits runners chasing personal bests or Boston qualifying times.

What time does the Shanghai Marathon start?

The 2026 Shanghai Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Sunday, 29 November 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.shang-ma.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.

What is the Shanghai Marathon course route?

The Shanghai Marathon starts on the Bund — the famous waterfront promenade of colonial-era European buildings along the Huangpu River — and heads south through the city. The course runs along Zhongshan Road beside the Huangpu, passes through the Century Park area in Pudong, and loops back north, with the futuristic Pudong skyline (Shanghai Tower, World Financial Center, Jin Mao Tower) visible across the river. The contrast between the early-20th-century Bund architecture and the hypermodern Pudong towers is a defining visual element of the race.

When is the Shanghai Marathon and how do I enter?

Shanghai Marathon is held in late November — typically the last Sunday of the month. Entry is by lottery, one of China's most competitive, with demand from China's large and growing running community far exceeding available spots. The lottery opens in summer and closes within weeks. Some international travel packages offer guaranteed entries through official channels. The field is approximately 38,000 runners across all distances.

What are the weather conditions at the Shanghai Marathon?

Late November in Shanghai is autumn transitioning toward winter, with race-day temperatures typically 8–16 °C (46–61 °F) — very good running conditions compared to Shanghai's brutal summer heat and humidity. However, Shanghai's air quality (AQI) can be a concern in autumn, with pollution episodes possible depending on weather patterns. Runners with respiratory sensitivities should monitor AQI forecasts closely in race week. The race organisers have implemented air quality monitoring protocols in recent years.

What makes Shanghai Marathon China's premier road race?

Shanghai Marathon holds World Athletics Platinum Label status — the highest designation World Athletics awards to road races, reserved for events meeting the strictest standards for elite fields, timing, anti-doping, and organisation. It is the most prestigious marathon on the Chinese mainland, attracts top Kenyan and Ethiopian elites alongside China's leading domestic athletes, and is broadcast live on major Chinese sports channels. The prize money and media attention make it the flagship event of China's rapidly expanding marathon calendar.

What should international runners know about participating in Shanghai Marathon?

International runners can participate, but logistics require more planning than typical Western marathons. Entry through the official lottery may require a Chinese phone number and domestic ID verification in some years; international runners are strongly advised to use official travel partners or international registration platforms. China visa requirements apply to most nationalities — check current Chinese embassy policy when planning. Once on the ground, Shanghai's metro system provides efficient access to the Bund start area, and the city's international infrastructure makes it one of the more accessible major Asian marathons for overseas runners.