Registration for the 2026 Shanghai Marathon will open at 3 pm on April 29. Runners can sign up through the official website or the Shanghai Marathon app.

Race schedule and categories

The race will take place on Dec 6, starting at the Bund Bull in Huangpu district. It will feature two categories: the full marathon and the wheelchair marathon. The wheelchair marathon will start first at 6:45 am, followed by the marathon, which will begin in waves from 7 am.

Expanded capacity for the 30th edition

This year marks the 30th edition of the Shanghai Marathon. The marathon will expand its capacity from 23,000 to 30,000 runners. Along the 42.195-kilometer course, aid stations, medical posts, and volunteers will provide multilingual services.

To mark the milestone, organizers have unveiled a special logo that combines the number 30 with the infinity symbol (∞) to represent the enduring bond between the race and its runners.

Mini marathon to debut as standalone event

A mini marathon will be held separately on Dec 5, marking its debut as a standalone event with 15,000 participants. With no performance requirements or entry restrictions, the event offers a relaxed way for more people to enjoy running.

Registration details

• General lottery entry: Register between April 29 at 3 pm and May 29 at noon via the official website (www.shang-ma.com) or the Shanghai Marathon app. The lottery results will be announced on the afternoon of June 30, and selected runners must complete payment by noon on July 20.
• Direct entry for qualified runners: Runners who placed in the top 200 at the 2026 Shanghai Women's Half Marathon, the top 150 men and top 100 women at the Suzhou Creek Half Marathon, or the top 200 men and top 100 women at the Shanghai Half Marathon are eligible for direct entry. They must register during the same period and complete payment to secure their spot.
• Mini marathon registration: Opens in July. Keep an eye on official channels for the exact schedule.

Contact information

• Chinese service: 400-101-5879 or general@shmarathon.com
• English service: foreigner@shmarathon.com
• Service hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm, excluding public holidays.

Source: Shanghai Marathon