Registrations for 2025 Shanghai Marathon to start next week

Lace up and get ready – one of Asia's most iconic running events is back.

The 2025 Shanghai Marathon will take over the city's historic streets on November 30, starting from the picturesque Bund Bull Square.

Whether you're chasing a personal best or soaking in the skyline, this is your chance to join tens of thousands of runners in a celebration of endurance, energy, and urban beauty.

Registrations open at midnight on July 1. Please note that for general runners, race entry is not guaranteed upon registration – final participation will be determined by a lottery draw.

With a fully revamped digital registration system and expanded sign-up options, this year's event promises a smoother and more inclusive experience for runners from around the globe.

Event Overview

This year's event features three race categories: the full marathon (42.195 kilometers), a fitness run, and a competitive wheelchair marathon. The wheelchair race will begin at 6:45am, followed by the full marathon and fitness run at 7am. Participation is capped at 23,000 runners for the full marathon and 15,000 runners for the fitness run.

Where and How to Register

Participants can register through the official Shanghai Marathon website or the "Shangma" app. Both platforms have been fully redesigned for 2025, offering a modernized user interface and a faster, smoother registration process. Before registering, runners are encouraged to log in and update their personal details – including email address, mobile number, and emergency contact – to avoid any delays.

Registration Periods

General public pre-registration runs from 12am on July 1 to 12pm on July 31. During this time, runners can select their race category and submit their entries via the website or app.

For general applicants, final participation is determined by a lottery draw. Submitting your information during the pre-registration period does not guarantee a spot.

Once the registration window closes, a random draw will be conducted, and results will be announced on August 25. Only runners selected in the draw will be eligible to pay and confirm their entry. The payment deadline is 3pm on September 10.

Direct entry registration is available to runners who achieved top placements in the 2025 Shanghai Women's Half Marathon, Suzhou Creek Half Marathon, or Shanghai Half Marathon. These runners are exempt from the lottery process and may register and pay between July 1 and July 31 to secure their spots directly.

Charity entry registration opens at 10am on September 1, offering 1,000 spots on a first-come, first-served basis. Charity runners also register via the website or app and will gain guaranteed entry upon successful payment. This option allows participants to combine their passion for running with support for charitable causes.

Entry Fees

For the full marathon, Chinese nationals (including residents of Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan) pay 200 yuan (US$27.91), while international runners pay US$160. For the fitness run, the fee is 120 yuan for Chinese participants and US$50 for foreigners. The charity entry fee is 5,000 yuan per person, with proceeds supporting selected charitable programs.

Need Help?

For support in Chinese, runners can call the official hotline at 400-101-5879 or email general@shmarathon.com. The marathon's official WeChat account (shanghaimarathon) also provides updates and information.

For international runners, English-language support is available via foreigner@shmarathon.com.

Customer service is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, excluding weekends and public holidays. Phone assistance will be open from June 25 through December 15.