The 2025 Shanghai Marathon is set to take place this Sunday, with a record-breaking 356,589 pre-registrations announced at a news conference on Wednesday. This milestone marks a significant achievement for the event, which has become the first marathon in China to receive the prestigious World Athletics Platinum Label.
The marathon will commence with the wheelchair race at 6:45 am, followed by the main event at 7 am. A total of 43 elite athletes are scheduled to participate, including 18 international competitors and a mix of Platinum and Gold Label runners. Notable Chinese marathoners such as Wu Xiangdong, Feng Peiyou, Zhang Deshun, and Xia Yuyu will also be at the starting line.
The wheelchair marathon, which debuted last year, has seen a significant increase in popularity, with 19 athletes competing this time around. For the first time, 12 international wheelchair racers will join seven top domestic athletes in the event, highlighting the growing global interest in the sport.
The race kit provided to participants includes essential items and gifts, such as cooling sleeves made from recycled water bottles collected during the 2024 event. This initiative demonstrates the event’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
The 2025 Shanghai Marathon is expected to be a highly competitive event, with top athletes from around the world vying for top honors. The World Athletics Platinum Label is a testament to the event’s high standards and organization, and it is likely to attract a large and diverse audience. As the event approaches, fans and spectators can look forward to an exciting and unpredictable competition.
The Shanghai Marathon has come a long way since its inception, and its growth and popularity are a reflection of the increasing interest in distance running in China. With its strong field of elite athletes and commitment to sustainability, the 2025 Shanghai Marathon is poised to be a memorable and successful event. As the starting gun goes off on Sunday, all eyes will be on the competitors as they take on the challenging course and strive for excellence.