On the morning of December 1, 38,000 runners burst from the starting line, officially kicking off the 2024 Shanghai Marathon. This year’s event has been elevated to a prestigious status as the only Abbott World Marathon Majors candidate race in China, with improvement in both organization and competitive levels. The race features 27 international and 20 Chinese elite runners competing together. Since its establishment in 2006, the Abbott World Marathon Majors has become the largest, highest-standard, and most influential marathon series in the world. Photos: Lu Ting/GT