Shanghai – The Shanghai Marathon 2024 unfolded spectacularly, marking a significant milestone as China’s only Candidate Race for the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors (WMM). With 38,000 runners crossing Shanghai’s historic and modern landscapes, the event reaffirmed its status as a premier global marathon.
A Celebration of Inclusivity and Excellence
The marathon festivities began at 6:45am with the Wheelchair Marathon, setting an inspiring tone as 12 athletes tackled the 42.195-kilometer course. The event officially kicked off at 7:00am, launched by Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng, who illuminated the route map before firing the starting gun.
Distinguished guests at the ceremony included Deputy Mayor Xie Dong, athletics and municipal leaders, and corporate representatives from Nike Greater China and Toray Industries. The event’s opening at the iconic Bund symbolized the unity of tradition and modernity, central to Shanghai’s identity.
Elite Competition at Its Finest
The Shanghai Marathon 2024 featured an elite roster of 27 international runners and 20 of China’s top athletes, ensuring a competitive field. Eritrea’s Samsom Amare clinched victory in the men’s race with a blistering time of 2:06:26, while Ethiopia’s Bekelech Gudeta Borecha triumphed in the women’s race with a time of 2:25:21.
Chinese athletes also delivered stellar performances. Wu Xiangdong set a personal best of 2:09:31, securing the men’s national title, while Zhang Deshun claimed the women’s national title with a time of 2:26:39. The wheelchair division saw Luo Xingchuan and Chen Xiaochun take top honors in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively.
Setting New Standards for Safety and Support
The marathon achieved a completion rate of 98.24%, a testament to the event’s meticulous planning and robust support infrastructure. With guidance from the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission, the marathon established 49 medical stations, deployed 36 advanced ambulances, and strategically placed over 290 AED devices along the route.
Emergency response and first-aid volunteers, totaling more than 680, complemented this extensive network, ensuring runners’ safety. Additionally, nine designated hospitals created exclusive treatment areas and “green channels” for immediate medical attention.
Enhancing the Runner Experience
This year, the Shanghai Marathon elevated participant services, setting up eight Water/Beverage Stations, seven Drinking Water/Water Sponge Stations, and multiple Energy Supply Stations along the course. Clothing storage services were also expanded to meet the needs of the 38,000 runners.
Volunteer support played a crucial role in creating a seamless experience. The 4,800 Shangma Volunteers began preparations days in advance, assisting elite athletes, maintaining route cleanliness, and ensuring the steady supply of water, ice packs, and sponges on race day. Their enthusiasm and dedication left a lasting impression on runners, many of whom praised the volunteers’ encouragement and cheer at the finish line.
A Milestone in Broadcast Innovation
The 28th Shanghai Marathon also set benchmarks in event broadcasting. Renowned television channels such as Oriental TV and Five-Star Sports provided comprehensive live coverage. Online platforms, including Tencent Sports and Xinhua Net, opened live-streaming channels, making the event accessible to millions of viewers.
This widespread coverage not only showcased the athletic feats of participants but also highlighted Shanghai’s vibrant culture and iconic landmarks, inspiring the next generation of marathoners.
On the Road to Abbott World Marathon Majors
As a Candidate Race for the Abbott WMM, the Shanghai Marathon is under consideration to join an exclusive list of global marathons, including Boston, Berlin, and Tokyo. This status brings international attention to the event, reflecting Shanghai’s growing reputation as a hub for world-class sporting events.
“Becoming a Candidate Race for the Abbott World Marathon Majors is a testament to the Shanghai Marathon’s unwavering commitment to excellence,” remarked Xu Bin, Director of the Shanghai Sports Bureau. “We are proud to set the stage for this significant milestone in China’s marathon history.”
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Community Engagement and Sustainability
Beyond the competitive arena, the Shanghai Marathon emphasized community involvement and sustainability. The organizing committee engaged local schools, businesses, and civic organizations, fostering a sense of shared pride in the event.
Efforts to minimize the marathon’s environmental footprint were evident in waste management strategies and the promotion of eco-friendly practices. Volunteers played a key role in maintaining cleanliness along the route, collecting discarded items and ensuring the city remained pristine.
Looking Ahead
The Shanghai Marathon 2024 was more than just a race; it was a celebration of endurance, unity, and the human spirit. With the support of nearly 10,000 staff and volunteers, the event showcased Shanghai’s ability to host world-class sporting events while fostering community engagement.
As the marathon continues its journey toward becoming an official Abbott World Marathon Major, it remains committed to elevating the experience for runners and spectators alike. The Shanghai Marathon’s legacy is one of passion, perseverance, and progress, ensuring its place as a cornerstone of global marathon culture.
