Shanghai Marathon
Shanghai Marathon pairs a vast lottery field with a fast city course, signature Bund landmarks, cool early-winter weather, and Platinum Label depth.
Quick facts
- World Athletics Platinum Label marathon with a deep international field.
- Large lottery-based entry process rewards close attention to application dates.
- Central Shanghai course features the Bund and other major city landmarks.
- Cool early-December scheduling usually supports goal-time attempts.
About the Shanghai Marathon
Shanghai Marathon is one of China's highest-profile road races, combining a large lottery field with the elite depth of a World Athletics Platinum Label event. Demand is a defining part of the experience, so runners should treat the entry window as carefully as the training block.
Course
The route is a broad urban tour built for steady pacing, moving through central Shanghai and past signature city scenery before a stadium-area finish. It is generally fast, but the scale of the field makes early positioning and patient first kilometers important.
Race-day weather
Early December is often cool enough for strong racing, with chilly starts and milder conditions later in the morning. Humidity, haze, and wind can still change how the final third feels.
Past Shanghai Marathon dates and results
| Year | Date | Status | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Sunday, December 6, 2026 | Upcoming | — |
| 2025 | Sunday, November 30, 2025 | Completed | Open results |
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Shanghai Marathon FAQ
When is the Shanghai Marathon?
The 2026 Shanghai Marathon is on Sunday, December 6, 2026.
Is Shanghai Marathon a Boston qualifier?
Yes. Shanghai Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier. To use the result, you must run the certified full-marathon course within the qualifying window and meet the current standard for your age and gender. Meeting the standard lets you apply but does not guarantee entry, and net-downhill courses can receive a time adjustment under current B.A.A. rules. Review the Boston qualifying times and downhill-course rules, or browse upcoming Boston qualifier marathons.
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