Shanghai Half Marathon

Launched in 2016, the Shanghai Half Marathon is one of the newer races on the circuit. Despite its youth, it has quickly built a reputation in Shanghai, attracting runners drawn to its flat roads and scenic routes and the energy of an event still finding its identity.

The fastest time ever recorded at the Shanghai Half Marathon is 01:00:32, set by Abel Kipchoge in 2023. Every year, new contenders line up hoping to challenge that mark on the streets of Shanghai.

Runners come to the Shanghai Half Marathon for one reason: personal bests. The flat, fast course through Shanghai has a reputation as a PB factory, with the roads seemingly designed to keep your pace honest and your splits consistent from start to finish.

For thousands of runners each year, the Shanghai Half Marathon is their first half marathon. The combination of a forgiving course, generous time limits, and supportive crowds has earned this race a reputation as the place where marathon journeys begin. The first-timer energy on race morning is palpable.