A total of around 38,000 runners from all over the world gather in Shanghai to take part in the Shanghai Marathon in Shanghai on November 26, 2023. This was the first time that international elite athletes took part in the race since the Shanghai Marathon was honored with the Platinum Label in 2020. Photo: VCG

The 28-year-old Shanghai Marathon officially signed an agreement on Wednesday that made it China's first and only candidate race for the prestigious World Marathon Majors. Within the next three years, as long as it passes two consecutive assessments, Shanghai Marathon will officially stand alongside the six world's top marathons as a new member as early as in 2027.

Why did the Shanghai Marathon become a candidate race for the World Marathon Majors?

Luo Le, a sports scholar at the Beijing University of Chemical Technology, told the Global Times that the move aligns with Shanghai's long-term vision of building an international sports city. Becoming part of the World Marathon Majors is not just about the scale of the event but also about hosting the city's sports culture and heritage. 

International sports events like the ATP Shanghai Masters and Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix have been increasingly integrated into the city's sports development plans, underscoring the importance of sports culture in urban construction.

"For ordinary sports enthusiasts, running is a relatively accessible activity. Although a marathon requires a certain level of physical fitness, it encourages mass participation and inspires more people to get involved," Luo noted.

This year's Shanghai Marathon, scheduled for December 1, will feature three categories: the full marathon, a fitness run, and a wheelchair race, with a total of 38,000 participants. Among these, 23,000 will be running the marathon, a notable increase from 2023's 20,000. The fitness run will accommodate 15,000 runners.

According to reports, as part of efforts to enhance the event and match World Marathon Majors standards, the Shanghai Marathon organizers are introducing several improvements this year. 

The introduction of a digital race map aims to provide participants and related personnel with a more convenient, tech-savvy experience. The map will include the race route, the start and finish areas, location navigation, and details on stations along the route, with support for both Chinese and English.

The International Tourism Runner project will integrate Shanghai's local culture with international business and tourism models, offering premium, customized packages that cater to overseas runners. The goal is to create an immersive, one-stop experience combining racing, travel, and socializing, forming a "sports plus" platform that attracts both domestic and international audiences. 

In this case, China's 144-hour visa-free policy also provides a key advantage, making it easier for international participants to join. Luo pointed out that while top runners typically secure visas to attend the game with ease, the visa-free policy removes barriers that made regular international runners hesitant to attend the event.

To further improve the wheelchair race experience, the committee plans to adjust the route, avoiding sharp turns, narrow sections, and excessive detours to ensure the safety and performance of wheelchair athletes. Water stations, restroom facilities, and other accommodations are reported to be specifically designed for wheelchair participants. Live bands and cheering crowds will also be introduced to quieter parts of the course for a better atmosphere.

Frequent marathon runners who have competed in World Marathon Majors events worldwide told the Global Times that they are super excited, since if the Shanghai Marathon becomes part of the "world series," they will finally be able to run a major international event on their home turf. 

However, some remain cautious, comparing the Shanghai Marathon to more established races. "The Boston Marathon, for example, has a history of more than 120 years, with a classic route and numerous iconic landmarks along the way. Over time, their scale and organizational systems have become highly refined. In this regard, the Shanghai Marathon still has room for growth," a veteran runner, surnamed Sun, who has completed all six World Marathon Majors, told the Global Times on Thursday.

Luo echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that building Shanghai into a true international sports event requires the joint efforts of various sectors, noting the importance of combining marathons with cultural tourism as a key part.

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. life@globaltimes.com.cn