Shanghai Marathon

Nights
4
Date
1 December 2024
  • Marathon

Run the Shanghai Marathon 2024

The Shanghai Marathon 2024 is the highest-rated marathon in China and is categorised as a Platinum Label Road Race by World Athletics. Get the chance to race through the streets of Shanghai and enjoy the marvellous view along the Huangpu River with tens of thousands of other runners.

Marathon Tours & Travel offers a 4-night package staying at deluxe accommodation, located close to the race start at the Bund and the heart of the city centre. Expertly curated packages cater for runners and supporters alike and include invitations for you to take part in activities such as a welcome briefing, a half-day guided orientation tour of Shanghai including the Bund, Former French Concession and Yu Garden, a lunch at a local restaurant, a visit to the Expo to pick-up your race number, a warm-up run, pre-race dinner, post-race celebration dinner and drinks. Our bilingual, local Marathon Tours & Travel team will be on hand for guidance and support to help make your trip a fun, enjoyable and successful time.

Take advantage of your time in China and discover more of the landscape and people by adding on the 2-night pre-race extension to Hong Kong and the 4-night post-marathon extension to Xi’an and Beijing.

IMPORTANT: Please note the package is not applicable to Chinese passport holders (incl. HK/MAC/Taiwan ID), even if resident overseas.

Meals Included

Meals Included

Daily breakfasts included, lunch on Friday and dinners on Saturday and Sunday

Guide

Guide

Guidance & support from our bilingual local team

Transfers

Transfers

Transfers included to and from the hotel to station/airport

Trip Extension

Trip Extension

Trip extensions available upon request

Accommodation

Accommodation

4 nights in a deluxe hotel

Entry

Entry

Guaranteed Shanghai Marathon 2024 event entries available (non-runner discount available)

Celebration Party

Celebration Party

Post-race celebration dinner and drinks included

Excursions

Excursions

Half day sightseeing tour included. Additional optional half day tour to Shanghai Tower

A Helping Hand

A Helping Hand

Hosted on-site by Marathon Tours & Travel

Coopah

Coopah

2 week free trial for Coopah training plans

Travel Package Information

  • Itinerary

    • Shanghai Marathon Itinerary/4 Nights/28 November - 2 December 2024

      Thursday 28 November 2024
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      The itinerary below reflects the 4-night package. We highly recommend adding the pre- and post-tour stays on to Hong Kong, Xi’an and Beijing, as this allows you the time to discover and enjoy much more of China.

      Arrival Day

      On arrival in Shanghai, we will transfer you to your selected deluxe hotel. Check in for your 4-night stay.

      If you are joining from the pre-race extension in Hong Kong, your group airport arrival transfer is included.

      The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city until 18:00 when the Marathon Tours & Travel Welcome Reception and Briefing will take place at the hotel – this is scheduled to last for 90 minutes, so if you are making dinner reservations, please make sure these are after 19:30.

      Friday 29 November 2024
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      Half Day City Tour

      After breakfast at the hotel, today’s morning tour of Shanghai starts at 09:00 and includes visits to the Bund, the Former French Concession and the Yu Garden.

      For a century, the Bund has been one of the most recognisable symbols and the pride of Shanghai with the architecture along the Bund being a living museum of colonial history of the 1800’s. To the West of this stretch stand 52 buildings of various architectural styles, including Gothic, baroque, and neoclassical styles. It is often referred to as “the museum of buildings”.

      The Former French Concession (FFC) has history and beauty in abundance. Typical features of this area are its gorgeous tree-lined avenues, perfect for long walks, and the huge variety of hip cafes and restaurants, concept bars and breweries, boutiques, art galleries and antiques stores.

      The Yu Garden is a classical garden ranking among the must-see attractions in Shanghai. It dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and was owned by a government officer named Pan Yunduan. Yu in Chinese means pleasing and satisfying, and this garden was especially built for Pan’s parents as a place for them to enjoy a tranquil and happy time in their old age.

      After the tour we will enjoy lunch in a local Chinese restaurant.

      This afternoon from 14:00 – 17:30 you will be escorted to the Shanghai Marathon EXPO by your Marathon Tours & Travel hosts.

      After the EXPO, return to the hotel and your evening is at leisure

      (Breakfast and Lunch included)

      Saturday 30 November 2024
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      Warm-up Run, Optional Half Day Tour and Pre-race Dinner

      The Warm-up Run (organised by Shanghai Marathon) takes place today – details and timings to be confirmed.

      After breakfast, you have the option to enjoy a half day tour to visit Shanghai Tower – this tour has an extra charge and can be pre-booked. Estimated timings 09:30 – 12:30.

      Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China and the 2nd tallest building in the world, after the Burj Khalifa Tower, which has a long spire to boost its height. Like the Shanghai World Financial Centre and Jin Mao Tower which are the two other skyscrapers that are situated adjacent to it, there’s an observation deck at the uppermost floors of Shanghai Tower, named Top of Shanghai. Standing by the windows, visitors can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the city, the beautiful river below and commanding views of many landmarks in the city such as the historic buildings with different architectural styles along the Bund and the Oriental Pearl Tower, which has long been seen as the icon of modern Shanghai.

      18:00 – 20:00 Pre-Race Pasta Dinner (buffet; private venue tbc). Includes soft drinks and local mineral water

      (Breakfast and Dinner included)

      Sunday 1 December 2024
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      Race Day & Celebrations!

      Today is RACE DAY – you’ll be able to walk from your hotel to the Race Start, assisted by our local Marathon Tours & Travel team of hosts.

      The Shanghai Marathon is the highest-rated marathon in China and is categorised as a Platinum Label Road Race by World Athletics. Get the chance to race through the streets of Shanghai, and enjoy the marvellous views along the Huangpu River with tens of thousands of other runners.

      Return shuttles to the Bund are provided by the Shanghai Marathon 2024 organisation.

      18:00 – 20:00 Celebration Dinner (buffet; location and venue tbc). Includes soft drinks, local beer, local mineral water and house wine.

      (Breakfast and Dinner included)

      Monday 2 December 2024
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      Departure Day

      Unless you have booked the extension to Xi’an and Beijing then we will bid you farewell today after breakfast at the hotel. Grouped transfers will be provided to the train station or airport, depending on the time of your flight.

      It’s not goodbye but instead we’ll see you next time as we hope you will join us for another Marathon Tours & Travel trip.

      For those joining the post-race extension to Xi’an and Beijing we will have a morning transfer to Shanghai Airport for our flight to Xi’an (flight details and time tbc).

      (Breakfast included)

  • Extensions

    • The Marathon Tours & Travel Shanghai Marathon 2024 itinerary offers the opportunity to add on a pre-race extension to Hong Kong for 2 nights as well as a post-race extension to Xi’an and Beijing for 4 nights.

      Pre-Race Extension to Hong Kong | 26 – 28 November 2024

      • Two nights’ accommodation including breakfast at the Harbour Grand, Kowloon
      • All land transfer arrangements in private vehicle with air-conditioning
      • Airport transfers (arrival/departure in Hong Kong; arrival in Shanghai)
      • Flight from Hong Kong to Shanghai in economy class
      • All excursions and activities in private air-conditioned vehicle as mentioned
      • English-speaking guide
      • Mineral water on board vehicle during tours

      Post-Race Extension to Xi’an and Beijing | 2 – 6 December 2024

      • Four nights’ accommodation including breakfast at the hotels listed in the itinerary
      • Meals as specified in the itinerary
      • All land transfer arrangements in private vehicle with air-conditioning
      • Airport and station transfers Shanghai, Xi’an and Beijing as described in itinerary
      • Flight from Shanghai to Xi’an in economy class
      • High-speed train from Xi’an to Beijing in first class
      • All excursions and activities as mentioned
      • English-speaking local guides in Xi’an and Beijing
      • Mineral water on board vehicle during tours

      Note: Hong Kong and Xi’an/Beijing Extensions: International Flights

      If you’re adding both pre- and post- extensions to the trip, international flights should be booked into Hong Kong and back from Beijing.

      If you’re adding only the Hong Kong pre-race extension, international flights should be booked into Hong Kong and back from Shanghai.

      If you’re adding only the post-race extension to Xi’an and Beijing, international flights should be booked into Shanghai and back from Beijing.

      By adding on the Hong Kong extension, you will be able to take advantage of the Chinese “Transit” Visa.

    • Hong Kong Pre-Race Extension/2 Nights/26 - 28 November 2024

      Tuesday 26 November 2024
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      Arrival day

      On arrival at Hong Kong, you will be transferred to the Harbour Grand Hotel Kowloon.

      Enjoy your afternoon and evening at leisure.

      Hong Kong | History, China, Location, Map, & Facts | Britannica

      Wednesday 27 November 2024
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      Hong Kong Island Tour and Aqua Luna Cruise

      This morning, after breakfast at the hotel, we enjoy a Hong Kong Island Tour including visits to Victoria Peak and Repulse Bay.

      Victoria Peak is a remnant of Hong Kong’s history as a colony of Great Britain. It was a highly exclusive neighbourhood from 1841 to 1997 as only European immigrants and expatriates were granted residence. Fast forward to today, The Peak has grown to be Hong Kong’s most luxurious neighbourhood, housing business magnates, socialites, celebrities and other high-profile residents. The open-air Sky Terrace observation deck is located on the Victoria Peak itself with an altitude of 428m above sea level. Atop the Peak Tower, it is one of the best places in town to enjoy the spectacular views of the skyline and surroundings. As the highest outdoor viewing platform in Hong Kong, visitors are able to enjoy an unrivalled and unlimited panoramic view of this amazing city. For a change of pace, we head to Repulse Bay, another of Hong Kong’s most exclusive residential areas, on the southern coast of Hong Kong Island, to enjoy a relaxing day out at the beautiful beach with attractions for the whole family. This stunning beachfront location, offering a wide range of al fresco dining options, is the perfect place to unwind.

      We enjoy a Dim Sum lunch at Maxim Restaurant and afternoon time at leisure.

      This evening we take a leisurely trip on the Aqua Luna Hong Kong Cruise. We relax in the comfort of your seat, indulging in a complimentary drink onboard and taking in the fantastic views and skyline of Victoria Harbour of Hong Kong. Don’t miss the stunning skyline lit up by the famed Symphony of Lights show as part of the experience.

      Dinner this evening is at leisure.

      (Breakfast and Lunch included)

      Aqua Luna - Wikipedia

      Thursday 28 November 2024
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      After breakfast, the group will depart to the airport and the connecting flight to Shanghai.

      On arrival in Shanghai, airport transfers will be provided to your hotel.

      (Breakfast included)

    • Xi'an and Beijing Post-Race Extension/4 nights/02 - 06 December 2024

      Monday 02 December 2024
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      Xi’an Tour and Dumpling Dinner

      After breakfast in your Shanghai hotel, we check out and transfer as a group to the airport for our departure flight to Xi’an (flight details and time tbc).

      On arrival in Xi’an we’ll be transferred to the Hilton Xi’an Hotel, where we’ll stay for one night, followed by a guided excursion to the Xi’an City Wall and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

      Xi’an City Wall, spanning over 13 km, is one China’s largest and best-preserved ancient city walls, built in 1370 during the Ming Dynasty. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda was built around 652 AD during the Tang Dynasty, under the rule of Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu Zetian. It was built to house Buddhist texts that the monk Xuanzang had brought back from India. The pagoda is still a representation of Xi’an’s rich cultural past and was instrumental in the spread of Buddhism throughout China.

      Dinner this evening is at a local dumpling restaurant with a Chinese set menu including 1 glass of soft drink or local beer.

      (Breakfast and Dinner included)

      Tours Visiting Xian's City Wall, China | Wendy Wu Tours

      Tuesday 03 December 2024
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      Terracotta Army and train to Beijing

      After breakfast at the hotel, this morning’s guided excursion takes us to the world famous Terracotta Army exhibit. The Terracotta Army in Xi’an, is a enormous collection of life-size terracotta sculptures in battle formations, reproducing the magnificent imperial guard troops of Emperor Qin Shi Huang (259 – 210BC), the first emperor of the first unified dynasty of Imperial China. Being the most significant archaeological excavations of the 20th Century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Terracotta Army is no doubt a must-see for every visitor to Xi’an.

      After the visit to the Terracotta Army, we’ll enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.

      This afternoon we take the high-speed train to Beijing. Proposed timing for this will be the Train G662 15:09 – 20:30 or similar (First Class seats).

      Upon arrival in Beijing we will be transferred to the Hilton Beijing Hotel, where we’ll stay for three nights, and have the evening at leisure.

      (Breakfast and Lunch included)

      Book Your Terracotta Army Visit: Online Tickets Guide

      Wednesday 04 December 2024
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      The Forbidden City, The Temple of Heaven and The Summer Palace

      After breakfast at the hotel, today we have a guided trip, including lunch, to visit three of the top sightseeing experiences of Beijing – The Forbidden City, The Temple of Heaven and The Summer Palace.

      The Forbidden City was first built in 1406 and finished in 1420. In its 500 years of history, there were 24 emperors who lived here. It experienced several renovations and expansions during the Ming and Qing dynasties. In 1987, the Forbidden City was listed as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO. Juries evaluated: “The Forbidden City is the supreme power centre in China for over five centuries, with its landscape architecture, and huge buildings which accommodate 9,000 rooms of furniture and crafts. It has become a priceless historical witness of the Chinese civilization of Ming and Qing era.

      The Temple of Heaven is located to the south-east of the Forbidden City and covers an area of 273 hectares which is four times larger than the Forbidden City itself. It was used to hold a memorial ceremony for Heaven in Winter Solstice Festival and to pray for harvest in the first month of the lunar year by the emperors in Ming and Qing dynasties.

      After visiting The Temple of Heaven, we’ll have lunch in a local restaurant and then visit The Summer Palace in the afternoon.

      The Summer Palace is China’s largest and best-preserved imperial garden and one of the four most famous gardens in China. It is a large natural landscaped garden which used Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill as its base. Modelled on the Hangzhou West Lake scenery, it drew some design techniques and the mood of the gardens on the Yangtze delta.

      This evening we return to the hotel and dinner is at leisure.

      (Breakfast and Lunch included)

      Places of Worship - Temple of Heaven | The Review of Religions

      Thursday 05 December 2024
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      Great Wall of China, Hutong Tour (by rickshaw) and Farewell Dinner

      After breakfast at the hotel, this morning we’ll have a guided trip to the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu, including a return cable car journey.

      The Great Wall of China, the largest man-made project in the world, is a series of ancient fortifications built in northern China. For thousands of years, to protect the territories of ancient Chinese states against the nomadic tribes from the northern steppe. This long wall, just like a gigantic dragon, winds up and down across deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus, stretching approximately 21,196 kilometres from the West to the East of China.

      We’ll have lunch in a local restaurant.

      In the afternoon, we’ll experience a Tour of Hutong by rickshaw. In the modern city of Beijing lies a place where you can still see the authentic, old Beijing, where most local residents still live in traditional courtyard-styled houses dotted along old hutongs. Your Beijing trip is not complete without visiting this area.

      This evening, we’ll have our Farewell Dinner of Beijing Duck before our departure tomorrow.

      (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)

      Great Wall of China Travel Guide: History, What to See, Visiting Routes | Places to Visit in China

      Friday 06 December 2024
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      Departure Day

      After breakfast, enjoy leisure time until your departure transfer – times to be advised depending on your flight timings.

      We look forward to seeing you on your next Marathon Tours & Travel event.

  • Packages & Rates

    • Guaranteed Shanghai Marathon 2024 Entry 

      We are pleased to offer you guaranteed entry for the Shanghai Marathon 2024 event as part of our package. If you are planning to accompany a runner as a supporter/spectator you will receive a discount on the package price during the booking process.

      Marathon Tours & Travel Shanghai Marathon Package includes:

      • Stay at a deluxe hotel close to the Race Start for 4 nights
      • Daily breakfasts, except on arrival day
      • Other meals as included in the itinerary
      • Transfers to and from the airport/station
      • Welcome Briefing (Thursday)
      • Half Day Shanghai guided orientation tour (Friday a.m.)
      • Visit to the Shanghai Marathon 2024 EXPO (Friday p.m.)
      • Optional Half Day guided Shanghai Tower tour (Saturday a.m.)
      • Pre-race dinner (Saturday)
      • Guaranteed entry to the Shanghai Marathon
      • Post-race celebration dinner (Sunday)
      • Guidance and support from the local, bilingual Marathon Tours & Travel team in Shanghai
      • 2-week free trial of Coopah bespoke training plans. Details on how to claim will be sent in your booking confirmation email

      Travelling with children or extra nights?

      Contact us for a quote.

      Room Policy

      Marathon Tours & Travel’s policy is that anyone staying in our room block must be part of our package. If you plan to bring a spouse or guest, they must purchase our package. For example, if there are two of you, the rate would be the double occupancy rate (per person). If you purchase a single occupancy rate package, then only you are allowed in your room. To attend any of our activities, you must be part of our package.

      IMPORTANT: Please note the package is not applicable to Chinese passport holders (incl. HK/MAC/Taiwan ID), even if resident overseas.

      Note: Hong Kong and Xi’an/Beijing Extensions: International Flights

      If you’re adding both pre- and post- extensions to the trip, international flights should be booked into Hong Kong and back from Beijing.

      If you’re adding only the Hong Kong pre-race extension, international flights should be booked into Hong Kong and back from Shanghai.

      If you’re adding only the post-race extension to Xi’an and Beijing, international flights should be booked into Shanghai and back from Beijing.

      Refer to the Extensions section for details of our pre- and post-race extension packages to Hong Kong, Xi’an and Beijing.
      Shanghai Marathon Package Options
      All prices are per person in UK pounds sterling
      Double OccupancySingle Occupancy
      4 nights from 28th November - Crowne Plaza Shanghai Nanjing Road - Standard Room£1170£1415
      4 nights from 28th November - Westin Bund Center - Crown Deluxe Room£1300£1660
      Optional Extras
      All prices are per person in UK pounds sterling
      Half Day Shanghai Tower Tour - 30 November£75
      Non-Runner Discount (pp)- £49
      Pre-Race Extension to Hong Kong
      All prices are per person in UK pounds sterling
      Pre-Race Hong Kong ExtensionDouble OccupancySingle Occupancy
      2 nights from 26 November - Harbour Grand Kowloon - Superior Room£1209£1368
      Post-Race Extension to Xi'an and Beijing
      All prices are per person in UK pounds sterling
      Post-Race Extension to Xi'an and BeijingDouble OccupancySingle Occupancy
      4 nights from 2 December - Hilton Hotels Xi'an (Superior) & Beijing (Deluxe) Room£1599£1834
  • Hotels

    • Shanghai, China

      The five star Crowne Plaza Shanghai Nanjing Road, located in the city’s People’s Square area is set in the tourist paradise of Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. The Bund, the delightful Yu Garden and the popular Xintiandi entertainment district are all close by and the start and finish line of the Shanghai Marathon 2024 is just 1.5km away on foot. The hotel offers elegantly designed bedrooms that are spacious and bright and provide comforts including premium bedding and full amenities to help keep you feeling fresh and energized.

      Shanghai, China

      The Westin Bund Center is located in dazzling downtown Shanghai, just two blocks from the vibrant promenade of the Bund waterfront and conveniently situated just 1km from the start and finish of the Shanghai Marathon 2024. This five star hotel sits in two towers, 26 stories above the neighbouring luxury brand shops and world famous restaurants. The hotel offers a heated pool and a WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio as well as pampering treatments in the ISpa Shanghai. The luxurious rooms provide a fabulous night’s sleep in the plush Westin Heavenly Bed with high-tech amenities and superb views of the Huangpu River and the Bund or the Shanghai cityscape and Yu Garden.

  • Event Information

    • Run the Shanghai Marathon 2024 with Marathon Tours & Travel!

      Run the Shanghai Marathon 2024 with us; China’s highest rated marathon, categorised as a Platinum Label Road Race by World Athletics. Get the chance to race through the streets of Shanghai, and enjoy the marvellous view along the Huangpu River with tens of thousands of other runners. Our package takes care of you so you can enjoy the event, sightseeing and make the most of this amazing city.

      Whilst in China you can also enjoy the pre-race and post-race extension tours to visit Hong Kong for 2 nights before moving on to Shanghai and then on to Xi’an and Beijing after the race for 4 nights.

      Guaranteed Shanghai Marathon 2024 Entry

      We are pleased to offer you guaranteed entry for the Shanghai Marathon 2024 included in our package. If you are a non-runner and coming along to support or spectate you can also buy the accommodation package with us and you will receive a discount during the booking process.

      Race Date: Sunday 1 December 2024 

      Starting Times and Bib Numbers

      Although we are licensed to sell official entries for the Shanghai Marathon 2024 event we have no influence over the allocation of starting times and bib numbers.

      Race Rules

      All official race rules must be followed. Information to follow when the route is confirmed.

      Course

      Information to follow when the route is announced.

      Time Limit & Cut Offs

      Information to follow when the route is announced.

      Weather

      Average temperatures range between 11 to 17 deg C (52 to 62 deg F).

      Eligibility

      Marathon entrants must be 20 years of age and over.

      Awards

      Everyone who finishes the Shanghai Marathon 2024 will receive a medal.

      Event difficulty

      Information to follow when the route is announced.

  • Registration & Booking

    • Conditions of Sale

      IMPORTANT: Please note the package is not applicable to Chinese passport holders (incl. HK/MAC/Taiwan ID), even if resident overseas.

      Please note we cannot sell race entry without accommodation package. Race entry is not refundable.

      If you wish to make any changes to your reservations, administration and/or service fees might apply. For our general T&C’s please see here.

      How to Book

      To make your booking, click on the button at the top of the page, ensuring that you select the correct number of rooms and types for all members in your party, plus all the required extras. When you book, we will require a deposit to confirm your place.

      Payments

      When you confirm your booking, we will take a deposit payment. Subsequent payments are taken automatically.

      Travel advice

      Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for China’s current entry restrictions and requirements.

      Travel Insurance

      We strongly recommend travellers to take out comprehensive travel insurance with sufficient healthcare cover, including cover for existing medical conditions and any activities you plan to do.

      If you are unsure where to start, we’ve teamed up with Bikmo. Bikmo offer tailored insurance packages that cater for both competitive and non-competitive trips, covering you for many of our running events. If you wish to book insurance through Bikmo, you can benefit from an exclusive 5% discount*, simply use the code DESTINATIONSPORT5 at their checkout. More information can be found here.

      *7 days European travel cover from £16.85. Bikmo non-competitive travel insurance is arranged and administered by Rock Insurance Services Limited, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FCA number 300317 Bikmo competitive travel insurance is arranged and administered directly by Jackson Lee Underwriting (JLU). This promotion is provided by Bikmo Ltd Glendale House Sandycroft Industrial Estate Flintshire CH5 2QP

      Security Policy

      Marathon Tours & Travel’s security policy requires that anyone staying in our room block must be registered as part of our package. If a registered client attempts to house a non-registered guest and/or invite them to attend any of our scheduled activities, the registered guest’s tour package will be forfeited and parties may be denied access to future tours. Please note that no exceptions will be made as this policy will be strictly enforced.

  • Seven Continents Club ®

    • The Seven Continents Club®️ (SCC) offers a unique opportunity for runners to run on all seven continents of the globe, as well as providing numerous benefits to its members. The club operates as a global frequent traveller club for runners, offering waitlist priority for high-demand events, early pre-registration periods for a number of races in popular destinations and tour package vouchers for money off international tour packages. What’s more, Seven Continents Club®️ rewards all its members for the extraordinary achievement of running marathons on each continent with their own special finishers medal and certificate of completion. Join the SCC today!

Shanghai Marathon 2024
From £1,170.00
Date 1st Dec 24