Shanghai Marathon 2026

An Abbott World Marathon Majors Candidate!

Race Date – Sunday 6th December 2026

Start – The Bund Bull

Finish – Shanghai Stadium

Distance – Marathon I 26.2 miles

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WE’D LOVE TO HAVE YOU ON THE TEAM!

Just look at what we are offering to all our runners…

Official Shanghai Marathon Race Medal

Training programme

Online Fundraising and Information Pack

Individual online fundraising page

Personal Trainer Advice Email Hotline

Nutritional advice from our professional nutritionist

Regular updates and team support

Get Kids Going! team technical running shirt

Shanghai Marathon

The 2026 Shanghai Marathon is set to be one of Asia’s most scenic long-distance running events, with a full 42.195 km (26.2 miles) course weaving through the heart of Shanghai’s iconic cityscape on 6 December 2026. The race starts at the famed Bund Bull Plaza on the Huangpu River waterfront, giving you a stunning view of historic colonial-era architecture alongside the futuristic Pudong skyline dominated by landmarks like the Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower and Oriental Pearl TV Tower – a contrast that perfectly encapsulates Shanghai’s blend of old and new.

From the Bund, the course takes you onto broad, flat boulevards that pass through some of Shanghai’s most famous districts. You’ll enjoy stretches along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, one of the world’s busiest shopping avenues, before moving past cultural highlights such as Jing’an Temple and the stylish boutiques of Huaihai Road. These historic and commercial thoroughfares offer high-energy crowd support and varied urban scenery, making the route ideal for both first-time marathoners and seasoned runners chasing personal bests on a fast, flat course.

As the marathon approaches its finale, the route cuts through the vibrant Xuhui district, showcasing leafy riverside greenways and modern developments before finishing at Xujiahui Sports Park and the Shanghai Exhibition Centre, where spectators gather to cheer you on with electric atmosphere and celebrations. Through every kilometre, the 2026 Shanghai Marathon highlights the contrast between Shanghai’s rich heritage and its dynamic, internationally recognised skyline, making it a must-run event on the global marathon calendar.

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Get Kids Going!

Get Kids Going! is a national charity which gives disabled children and young people, up to the age of 26 years, the wonderful opportunity of participating in sport. We provide them with specially built sports wheelchairs so they can do: athletics, marathons, tennis, skiing, rugby, sailing, basketball, snowboarding and many other sports.

Get Kids Going! inspires young people to compete in sporting events, from start to paralympic level, by also giving them annual sports grants to help with their; training, travel, competition fees and the development of sports’ equipment. With your help many of these amazing youngsters can become world record holders and paralympic champions!

If you have your own place

Please only click the above box if you have your own entry place from the Shanghai Marathon Ballot, your running club or company.