6 December 2026

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Shanghai Marathon

Imagine running through one of the world’s most dynamic cities, where ultra-modern skyscrapers rise alongside colonial buildings along the historic Bund. The Shanghai Marathon is more than just a race – it’s a chance to experience China’s future capital in motion.

Shanghai, a city of over 25 million people, is known for its vibrant energy, cosmopolitan atmosphere and unique blend of East and West. Here, traditional teahouses and futuristic skylines, Michelin-starred restaurants and night markets, ancient alleyways (shikumen) and glittering shopping streets all come together in one city.

Starting in the heart of Shanghai, the marathon course winds past iconic locations such as Nanjing Road, Huangpu River and Lujiazui Financial District, where runners get a spectacular view of the city’s world-famous skyline.

Why choose the Shanghai Marathon?

  • The Shanghai Marathon is the highest ranked marathon in China and has been classified as a Platinum Label Road Race by World Athletics.
  • A route that shows you the best of Shanghai – history, innovation and beauty
  • International atmosphere with runners from all over the world
  • Perfect climate for running in November
  • A memory for life in a city that never sleeps
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SHANGHAI Marathon

Travel facts

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Everything is organised – you focus on the experience


We offer a 4-night package with accommodation in a luxury hotel, located near the start area at The Bund and right in the city centre. The travel package is designed to suit both runners and accompanying supporters. It includes a range of joint activities, including a welcome meeting, a half-day guided tour of some of Shanghai’s most famous sights – such as The Bund, the French Concession and Yu Garden – and lunch at a local restaurant. Also included is a visit to the expo to collect the licence plate and a nice dinner together the night before the race.

Combine your marathon trip with sightseeing, great food and cultural treasures in one of the world’s most exciting cities. Shanghai is more than a destination – it’s an experience. And the Shanghai Marathon is your passport to becoming part of it.

Secure your place today – and run through the city of the future!

About the race

Number of participants: approximately 23 000
Registration deadline: Subject to availability
Age limit: 20 years
Medal: Yes
T-shirt: Yes
Timing with chip or bib: Yes
Pasta party: Yes
Character: Fast course.
Start time: 07.30
Maximum time: 6 hours

Abbott World Marathon Majors

Do you dream of running among the world’s top marathon cities and joining an exclusive group of runners? Then the Abbott World Marathon Majors is your ultimate challenge – a journey that takes you across six iconic cities, six unforgettable races and a destination that symbolises pure running joy and determination.

The Abbott World Marathon Majors consist of six of the world’s most prestigious marathons: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York. Together they form the ultimate marathon journey – a chance to experience new cultures, atmospheres and courses, while challenging both body and mind.

Each race you complete earns you a star on your way to the coveted Six Star Medal, proof that you have completed all six. The journey requires careful planning, perseverance and passion – but each goal you cross becomes a memory for life.

Beyond the races, you also become part of a global community of runners through the World Marathon Majors system, with rankings, virtual challenges and the opportunity to track your progress against the world’s best in your class.

When you run your last of the six races and receive your Six Star Medal, it’s more than a race you’re finishing – it’s a journey you’ve conquered.

The TCS Sydney Marathon has officially become the seventh member of the Abbott World Marathon Majors from 2025. The race has undergone a multi-year evaluation process in which the organisation, safety, spectator support and participation numbers have been improved to meet the high standards required to become a Major. The course takes runners through the city’s most iconic settings, including running across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and finishing at the world-famous Opera House.

Looking ahead, further expansion of the series is planned. Two marathons are currently in the candidate phase: the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in South Africa and the Shanghai Marathon in China. If the races fulfil all the criteria, they are expected to become official Majors in 2027.

With these additions, the Abbott World Marathon Majors could comprise a total of nine races, and there has already been discussion about the possibility of introducing a new Nine-Star Medal for those runners who complete all the marathons in the expanded series.

Programme

Preliminary programme (Example)

Wednesday 2 December

  • Departure to China. Flights are booked on your own.

Thursday 3 December

  • Arrival and transfer to the hotel
  • Check-in at the hotel
  • Welcome information. In English

Friday 4 December

  • 09:00 – 12:00 Shanghai Classic Tour – Yu Garden & Shanghai Tower
  • 12:30 – 13:30 Lunch at a local restaurant or hotel
  • 14:00 – 16:00 Shanghai Marathon EXPO

Saturday 5 December

  • Day off
  • Pasta buffet in the evening

Sunday 6 December

  • Race day!

Monday 7 December

  • Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out

Our tour guides

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Our hotels

Hotell

Conrad Shanghai

Conrad Shanghai 789 East Nanjing Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China, 200001 Conrad Shanghai is a 66-storey luxury hotel located in the heart of Shanghai, on the bustling pedestrianised East Nanjing Road and opposite People’s Square. The hotel offers easy access to the city’s top attractions such as the Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Grand Theatre, The Bund …

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