Shanghai International Marathon
Run the Shanghai Marathon 2026
The Shanghai Marathon has officially been announced as a candidate race for the Abbott World Marathon Majors. It 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, as the Official International Tour Operator for 2026, 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. Our expertly curated packages cater for runners and supporters alike and include invitations for you to take part in activities such as a a half-day guided tour of Shanghai including the Shanghai Tower, Yu Garden and lunch at a local restaurant, a visit to the Expo to pick-up your race number, a pre-race dinner and post-race celebration drinks. Plus, our bilingual, local Marathon Tours & Travel team will be on hand for guidance and support to help make your trip as memorable as possible!
Take advantage of your time in Asia and discover more by adding on the 3-night post-race extension to Hong Kong!
IMPORTANT: Please note our packages are not applicable to Chinese passport holders (incl. HK/MAC/Taiwan ID), even if resident overseas.
Meals Included
Daily breakfasts, lunch on Friday, dinner on Saturday
Guide
Guidance & support from our bilingual local team
Transfers
Airport transfers included to and from the hotel
Trip Extension
Trip extension available upon request
Accommodation
4 nights in a deluxe 4* or 5* hotel
Entry
Entry included (non-runner discount available)
Celebration Party
Post-race celebration drinks included
Excursions
Half-day sightseeing tour included
A Helping Hand
Hosted on-site by local Marathon Tours & Travel reps
Worldwide Events
A candidate race for the Abbott World Marathon Majors
Coopah
2 week free trial for Coopah training plans
Travel Package Information
-
Itinerary
-
//
Thursday 3 December
The itinerary below reflects the 4-night package. We highly recommend adding the post-tour extension to Hong Kong, 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, where you can check in for your 4-night stay.
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 4 December
City Tour and EXPO Visit!
After breakfast at the hotel, today’s tour of Shanghai starts at 09:00 and includes visits to the Shanghai Tower and Yuyuan Garden!
After the tour we will enjoy a late lunch at a restaurant in Pudong.
This afternoon you will be escorted to the Shanghai Marathon EXPO, before returning to the hotel for around 17:30.
Enjoy the evening at your leisure.
(Breakfast and lunch included)
Saturday 5 December
Free day and pre-race Dinner
Today is free for you to explore Shanghai in your own time!
18:00 – 20:00 Pre-Race Pasta Dinner (buffet; private venue tbc). Includes soft drinks and local mineral water.
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
Sunday 6 December
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.
18:00 – 19:00 Celebration Drinks (location and venue tbc).
(Breakfast included)
Monday 7 December
Departure Day
Unless you have booked the extension to Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong we will have a morning transfer to Shanghai Airport for our flight (flight details and time tbc).
(Breakfast included)
Please Note: Itinerary subject to change, all timings TBC on final itinerary.
-
-
Extensions
-
2025 Post-Race Extension to Hong Kong | 2026 Details Coming Soon
- Three nights’ accommodation including breakfast at The Park Lane Hong Kong, Autograph Collection
- Airport transfers
- Flight from Shanghai to Hong Kong in economy class
- Private half-day excursion including Victoria Peak (with one way peak tram), a Sampan ride in Aberdeen and a photo stop at Repulse Bay
- English-speaking guide
Note: Hong Kong Extension: International Flights
If you’re adding the post-race extension to Hong Kong, international flights should be booked into Shanghai and back from Hong Kong.
Please note that the pricing for our extension packages are based on a minimum number of bookers. The price of these extensions is subject to change if these minimum numbers are not met.
-
//
Monday 1 December 2025
Arrival day
On arrival at Hong Kong, you will be transferred to the The Park Lane Hong Kong, Autograph Collection.
Enjoy your afternoon and evening at leisure.
(Breakfast at your chosen Shanghai hotel included)
Thursday 4 December 2025
Departure Day
After breakfast, enjoy leisure time until your departure transfer – transfer times to be advised depending on your flight timings.
We look forward to seeing you on your next Marathon Tours & Travel adventure!
(Breakfast included)
Please note: itinerary subject to change.
-
-
Packages & Rates
-
Guaranteed Shanghai Marathon 2026 Entry
We are pleased to offer you guaranteed entry for the Shanghai Marathon 2026 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 2026 Package includes:
- Stay at a perfectly located 4* or 5* hotel for 4 nights
- Daily breakfast
- Arrival transfers from Pudong or Hongqiao International Airport (3 December only)
- Meet & greet at hotel
- Full day tour with English-speaking guide to Shanghai Tower and Yuyuan Garden
- Pre-Race Pasta Dinner
- Escorted walk to race start
- Shanghai Marathon 2026 – Race Entry
- Post-race celebration drinks
- Departure transfers to Pudong or Hongqiao International Airport (7 December only)
- Guidance and support from Marathon Tours & Travel China staff
- 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 Extension: International Flights
If you’re adding the post-race extension to Hong Kong, international flights should be booked into Shanghai and back from Hong Kong.
Refer to the Extensions section for details of our post-race extension package to Hong Kong.Please note that the pricing for our extension packages are based on us receiving a minimum number of bookings. The price of these extensions is subject to change if these minimum numbers are not met.
Shanghai Marathon Package OptionsAll prices are per person in UK pounds sterling Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Radisson Collection Hotel, Hyland Shanghai 4 nights from 3 December - Collection Room £1,129 £1,459 4 nights from 3 December - Deluxe Room £1,189 £1,569 Westin Bund Center 4 nights from 3 December - Crown Deluxe Room £1,339 £1,799 4 nights from 3 December - Grand Deluxe Room £1,399 £1,889 ExtrasAll prices are per person in UK pounds sterling Non-Runner Discount (pp) - £370 Post-Race Extension to Hong Kong - TBCAll prices are per person in UK pounds sterling Post-Race Hong Kong Extension Double Occupancy Single Occupancy 3 nights from 7 December £ TBC £ TBC
-
-
Hotels
-
Shanghai, ChinaThe Westin Bund Centre, Shanghai 5*
The Westin Bund Centre, Shanghai, a luxurious 5-star hotel, provides an exceptional experience for Shanghai Marathon participants and visitors alike. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the Bund and the city skyline, along with world-class amenities including a Heavenly Spa by Westin™, a state-of-the-art fitness studio and exquisite dining options. With its elegant rooms and suites, and its proximity to Shanghai’s key attractions, The Westin Bund Centre ensures a comfortable and memorable stay, whether you’re running the marathon or cheering from the side lines.
Shanghai, ChinaRadisson Collection Hotel, Hyland Shanghai 4*The Radisson Collection Hyland Shanghai offers a sophisticated and stylish urban retreat, perfectly situated for participants and spectators of the Shanghai Marathon. This upscale hotel, in the heart of Shanghai’s bustling city centre, seamlessly blends contemporary design with classic elegance, providing a luxurious and comfortable stay. With stunning panoramic views of the city skyline, the hotel features well-appointed rooms and suites, exceptional dining options and state-of-the-art facilities.
-
-
Event Information
-
Run the Shanghai Marathon 2026 with Marathon Tours & Travel!
Run the Shanghai Marathon 2026 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 post-race extension to visit Hong Kong for 3 nights!
Guaranteed Shanghai Marathon 2026 Entry
We are pleased to offer you guaranteed entry for the Shanghai Marathon 2026 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 6 December 2026
Starting Times and Bib Numbers
Although we are licensed to sell official entries for the Shanghai Marathon 2026 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 2026 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. Make sure that you are insured for existing medical conditions, any activities you plan to do and any equipment that you plan to take. Travel insurance covers you if anything doesn’t go to plan before you travel as well, so we recommend sorting it at the time of booking. For more information, click here.
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.
-
-
Abbott World Marathon Majors Age Group World Championship
-
This event is an Abbott World Marathon Majors Marathon Tours & Travel Age Group World Championship (AGWC) Qualifying Race. If you achieve the automatic qualifying time for your age group, found here, you’ll be invited to the 2027 Age Group World Championships. The qualifying period began on January 1, 2026, and will conclude on December 31, 2026.
For more information on the Age Group World Rankings and Championship go here.
-
-
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!
-
-
Run China Visa-Free!
-
China has introduced an expanded 30‑day Visa‑Free Entry Policy for travellers from a growing list of eligible countries, allowing short‑term visits without needing to apply for a visa in advance. This new policy makes it easier than ever for international runners and supporters to travel for events such as the Shanghai Marathon or the Great Wall Marathon, as well as for sightseeing, business trips, and post‑race extensions.
Under this scheme, eligible passport holders can enter mainland China for stays of up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, cultural exchange or transit purposes. This removes previous visa application requirements and streamlines travel for short visits.
To qualify, travellers must:
- Hold a passport from an eligible country participating in China’s 30‑day visa‑free programme, which includes nations across Europe, Oceania, Asia, and North America.
(Examples include France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Canada, and others.) - Enter mainland China between the policy’s valid dates and stay no longer than 30 days.
- Travel for approved purposes such as tourism, short‑term business, transit, or visiting friends and family.
- Comply with border checks on arrival (passport validity, accommodation details, onward travel, etc.).
Not permitted: paid work, journalism, long‑term study, or residence‑based stays.
- Hold a passport from an eligible country participating in China’s 30‑day visa‑free programme, which includes nations across Europe, Oceania, Asia, and North America.
-
