2025
Shanghai Marathon

As a World Marathon Majors candidate race, Shanghai Marathon is one of the best in Asia. Due to high demand, entry is via lottery, but Runbuk, as one of the official international travel partners, offers guaranteed spots through our all-in-one race package. Let us handle the logistics while you enjoy an unforgettable running experience in Shanghai.

testimonials

Andreas Andersen
Jason Hsie
Francois Minoret
Hans Walter

Top Reasons to join us:

Guaranteed entry

As the official partner

Runbuk service

Stress-free and genuinely caring

Local Guides

Immersive cultural trips

2025 itinerary

26.2 miles through the heart of the Oriental Pearl

Nov. 28 Friday

Arrival in shanghai

Book your flights to Shanghai. Upon arrival at Pudong International Airport (PVG), you’ll be warmly greeted by local guides.


Enjoy a thrilling ride on the Shanghai Maglev Train - reaching speeds up to 431 km/h (268 mph) - from the airport to the terminal station. From there, you'll continue to your hotel via private transportation.

The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore at your leisure.
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Meals: No meals

shanghai city
Nov. 29 Saturday

Expo, City tour

Optional shake-out along the Bund before breakfast.
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After breakfast, visit the Shanghai Marathon Expo, explore the Bund, the iconic starting line of the race, and discover the charm of Yu Garden and the Old Town Bazaar. In the evening, join an international group of runners for a race briefing and pre-race dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Nov. 30 Sunday

Race Day

Start your day with an early breakfast at the hotel.

Our team will accompany you on a short 10-minute walk to the marathon starting line. Take on the iconic 26.2 miles through the dynamic streets of Shanghai - a megacity of 24 million people.


After crossing the finish line, we’ll be there to guide you to the shuttle bus and ensure a smooth return to your hotel.

In the early evening, gather for a celebration dinner followed by a spectacular river cruise. Take in the contrast between historic Shanghai to the west of the Huangpu River and the modern skyline of Pudong to the east.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Dec. 1 Monday

Departure

Your package concludes today. Our team will assist with hotel check-out and coordinate your departure transportation.

Meals: Breakfast


If you’ve booked the Beijing Extension, we’ll escort you to the train station for your high-speed rail journey to Beijing - an experience in itself, covering the distance in about 4.5 hours (compared to over 2 hours by air).


Upon arrival, enjoy a hearty local dinner and settle in for a relaxing evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Dec. 2 tuesday

beijing

Today we step into history in Beijing!

Tiananmen Square – The heart of the city and the largest public square in the world.

Forbidden City – Explore the world’s largest imperial palace, home to 24 emperors across 500 years.

Temple of Heaven – A stunning site where emperors once prayed for good harvests.

Cap off your day with a Peking Duck feast — a world-famous culinary experience (vegetarian options available).Your package concludes today.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dec. 3 wednesday

Departure

Today we discover Beijing’s Timeless Wonders.


Great Wall of China – Walk along the world’s most iconic ancient fortification, stretching over 12,000 km. Built over centuries, it stands as a symbol of strength and unity.


Summer Palace – Wander through stunning lakeside gardens and ornate pavilions in this imperial retreat, built as a birthday gift for an emperor’s mother.Your package concludes today. Our team will assist with hotel check-out and coordinate your departure transportation.Upon arrival, enjoy a hearty local dinner and settle in for a relaxing evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Dec. 4 thursday

Departure

Depart from Beijing, carrying unforgettable memories of China’s two most iconic cities — and your hard-earned Shanghai Marathon medal.Your package concludes today. Our team will assist with hotel check-out and coordinate your departure transportation.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel choices:

Luxory Hotel in Shanghai
Luxury 5-star
Shanghai: Fairmont Peace Hotel
Located at the historic crossroads of the Bund and Nanjing Road, this landmark hotel is a crown jewel of Shanghai’s skyline. It’s just 0.3 miles from the marathon start.
5-star
shanghai: Hyatt on the bund
Located on the banks of the Huangpu River, this hotel offers stunning views of both the historic Bund and Pudong’s modern skyline. The marathon start is just 0.8 miles away.
Shanghai City, hotel
Great 4-star
Shanghai Radisson Collection Hyland
Located in the heart of Shanghai, this hotel is a short walk from the Bund, People’s Square, and the Shanghai Museum. The marathon start is 0.8 miles away.
5-star
Beijing extension: Hualux by IHG
Within walking distance to the marathon start, this quality hotel is in the heart of Shanghai and close to attractions, shops and restaurants.

Package prices:

Hotel option
runner  TwIN SHARING
Runner  single room
Runner + Companion
Radisson Hyland Shanghai
$1,399
$1,619
$2,398
Hyatt on the Bund
$1,499
$1,799
$2,598
Fairmont Peace Hotel
$1,650
$2,080
$2,900
FAQs
What's included in the travel package?

❖ Guaranteed entry to the 2025 Shanghai Marathon

❖ Hotel accommodations with taxes and daily buffet breakfast

❖ Maglev train transfer from the airport to hotel on Nov. 28

❖ Private airport transfer on Dec. 1

❖ Transportation with local guides to the Marathon Expo and city tour

❖ Meals as specified in the itinerary

❖ On-the-ground assistance from the Runbuk crew

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Whats not included?
  • Flights to/from Shanghai
  • Chinese visa. For more info about visa policy, please keep reading.
  • Travel insurance (recommended for medical and trip cancellation coverage)

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Do I need a Visa to go to Shanghai?

The following information is provided for reference only. Entry policies are subject to change without prior notice.

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Visa free for the following countries

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Asia: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Brunei, Georgia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Maldives, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Uzbekistan‍

Oceania: Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga

Europe: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland

Americas: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Chile, Dominica, Ecuador, Grenada, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay

Africa: Mauritius, Seychelles

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10-day visa-free transit policy

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  1. Canada
  2. Czech Republic
  3. Indonesia
  4. Lithuania
  5. Mexico
  6. Russia
  7. Sweden
  8. Ukraine
  9. United Kingdom
  10. United States

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Please note: Please be advised that the visa-free transit policy requires you to depart China for a third country/region – you cannot fly directly back to your country of origin.

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Chinese visa

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If you do not meet the above conditions, or if you wish to travel to China with a valid visa, you should apply for the Chinese visa in the nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate General (a full list can be found here).

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Ready for the unique experience?

Book Now

Shanghai City
Interesting Facts
about Shanghai
1840s:
a port forced open to foreign trade following the British victory over China in the First Opium War.
1850s:
The verb "to Shanghai" was born and exists even till today, which means to kidnap unwilling men and forcibly place them on ships where they would be forced into service.
1930s:
the primary financial hub of the Asia-Pacific region.
1930s & 1940s:
as embassies were closing their doors and countries were closing their borders, Shanghai had free entry and took in 20,000+ Jewish people.
1990s:
the economic reforms resulted in an intense re-development of the city.
Current population: 26 million (35 million Metropolitan Area). Density: 3,800/sq km (9,900/sq mi).
A global financial center and transport hub with the world's busiest container port.
Shanghai Metro system is the world's largest by route length 831 km (520 mi). 10 million people use the system on an average workday.
Maglev runs at 431 km (268 miles) per hour - the world’s fastest commercial train.