Shanghai Marathon

Shanghai Marathon Countdown

240

Days

18

Hrs

45

Min

17

Sec

Next Race

December 6, 2026

241

days to go

The Shanghai Marathon is China's most internationally prominent marathon and a World Marathon Majors candidate race. Starting at the iconic Bund with its panoramic views of the Huangpu River and Lujiazui skyline, the course winds through the heart of China's largest city — past People's Square, Nanjing Road, Jing'an Temple, and the trendy lanes of Xintiandi — before finishing at the Xujiahui Sports Park. The flat, fast course and massive field reflect Shanghai's status as a global running powerhouse.

WA Platinum Label

Est.

1996

Distance

42.195km / 26.2mi

Course

Point-to-point

Surface

Road

Elev. Gain

30m

Elev. Loss

30m

Field Size

~38,000

When

December

Time Limit

6.25h

THE COURSE

Gain

+30m

Loss

-30m

MI 0

KM 0

The Bund Start

Runners assemble near the famous Bund Bull on the Bund waterfront promenade. The colonial-era buildings behind and the futuristic Pudong skyline ahead — Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower, Oriental Pearl — create a jaw-dropping start line.

ELEV: 13ft

MI 0

KM 0

The Bund Start

Runners assemble near the famous Bund Bull on the Bund waterfront promenade. The colonial-era buildings behind and the futuristic Pudong skyline ahead — Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower, Oriental Pearl — create a jaw-dropping start line.

ELEV: 13ft

MI 3

KM 5

Nanjing Road & People's Square

The course passes along sections of Nanjing Road, China's most famous shopping street, and near People's Square. The bustling commercial energy and towering neon signs create an urban spectacle.

ELEV: 15ft

MI 3

KM 5

Nanjing Road & People's Square

The course passes along sections of Nanjing Road, China's most famous shopping street, and near People's Square. The bustling commercial energy and towering neon signs create an urban spectacle.

ELEV: 15ft

MI 5

KM 8

Jing'an Temple

Runners pass the golden-roofed Jing'an Temple, a serene Buddhist sanctuary nestled among glass skyscrapers. The contrast of ancient and ultramodern Shanghai is striking.

ELEV: 13ft

MI 5

KM 8

Jing'an Temple

Runners pass the golden-roofed Jing'an Temple, a serene Buddhist sanctuary nestled among glass skyscrapers. The contrast of ancient and ultramodern Shanghai is striking.

ELEV: 13ft

MI 10

KM 16

Xintiandi & French Concession

The route winds through the charming lanes of Xintiandi and the leafy boulevards of the Former French Concession. Plane trees and Art Deco architecture provide a European-flavored interlude in the middle of the race.

ELEV: 10ft

MI 10

KM 16

Xintiandi & French Concession

The route winds through the charming lanes of Xintiandi and the leafy boulevards of the Former French Concession. Plane trees and Art Deco architecture provide a European-flavored interlude in the middle of the race.

ELEV: 10ft

MI 26.2

KM 42.195

Shanghai Stadium Finish

The finish at Shanghai Stadium in the Xujiahui area brings the marathon to a dramatic close. Runners enter the stadium grounds for a triumphant final stretch cheered on by tens of thousands of spectators.

ELEV: 13ft

MI 26.2

KM 42.195

Shanghai Stadium Finish

The finish at Shanghai Stadium in the Xujiahui area brings the marathon to a dramatic close. Runners enter the stadium grounds for a triumphant final stretch cheered on by tens of thousands of spectators.

ELEV: 13ft