The next candidate for
The Abbott Majors!
2027 Shanghai Marathon
Run Shanghai
China’s biggest marathon is having a moment — and 2027 could be the year to be there.
The Shanghai Marathon takes runners through the heart of one of the world’s great cities: from the Bund waterfront with the Pudong skyline rising across the Huangpu River, down avenues lined with a crowd that turns out in the hundreds of thousands. It’s fast, it’s flat, and it’s unlike any marathon you’ve run before.
Shanghai is currently an Abbott World Marathon Majors Candidate Race, undergoing formal assessment for elevation to full Major status. A decision is anticipated in the near term. For runners chasing their stars, that makes 2027 a compelling year to have Shanghai in the diary. (Candidate status is confirmed; the outcome and timing of the assessment sit entirely with Abbott World Marathon Majors.) We’re now building our hosted Shanghai Marathon 2027 experience — and we’d love to know if you’re in.
WHY SHANGHAI
A city that stops for the runners The course showcases Shanghai at its best — the colonial-era Bund, the shopping boulevards of Nanjing and Huaihai Road, the temples and tree-lined streets of the former French Concession, and the modern city beyond. The crowd support is genuinely extraordinary.
Flat, fast and built for a PB Shanghai is a World Athletics Elite Platinum Label event and one of the flattest big-city courses going. If you’re chasing a personal best, this is a course that gives it back to you.
A candidate for Major status Shanghai is on the Abbott World Marathon Majors candidate pathway. Runners who get there early will have run it before the crowds arrive.
Somewhere genuinely different Most Australian runners have never raced in China. This is a marathon trip that doubles as one of the most fascinating travel experiences in the world — and we handle every part of it.
Packages & Pricing
What to expect from an Adventure Time Travel experience
We’re not a travel agency. We design and host these trips ourselves, and we run the races alongside you.
While the full Shanghai 2027 package is still being finalised, every Adventure Time Travel experience is built around the same things:
- Quality, well-located accommodation close to the action
- Race entry secured through official channels
- Race-day logistics handled – expo, bib collection, transport to the start (if necessary), bag drop, meeting points
- An Australian host on the ground for the entire trip – someone who has run the race and knows the city
- Two ATT hosted group dinners (Welcome & Celebration)
- Supporters invited to join ATT Team members along the course to cheer the runners on
- Group shake out runs
- Adventure Time Travel uniform kit (personalised for runners)
- Optional extra activities (tba) exclusive to ATT clients
- Live interactive sessions with “running” health professionals leading up to race day to equip you with knowledge for your marathon journey exclusive to ATT client
- Marathon focused information sessions hosted by Anna Liptak exclusive to ATT clients in the months leading up to the marathon
- Monthly newsletters and email blasts from ATT regarding training and preparations in lead up to marathon
- Access to a closed ATT Facebook and WhatsApp groups to share information
Exclusions
- Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Pre & Post package accommodation
- Arrival and departure airport/hotel transfers
- Optional touring and dining
Deposit & Payment Structure
Preliminary Deposit (Runner)
$(tbc)
Deposit (Runner)
$(tbc)
Final payment due
15/03/2027
Race Information
Entry Fees
All entry fees are included in the cost of your Marathon package.
Eligibility
Marathon entrants must be 20 years of age and over.
Qualifying Times
There are no qualifying times required when booking through Adventure Time Travel.
Start Time
The Marathon waves begin at 7:00AM.
Cut-Off Times
There is a 6:15 hour cut-off for this event. In addition, organisers enforce incremental checkpoint cut-offs along the course to clear roads safely. While exact kilometer-by-kilometer milestone times adjust slightly per year, failing to maintain the 9:15/km pace or falling behind the final sweep vehicles will result in race officials asking you to step off the course.
Pace Setters
Shanghai Marathon provides official pace setters, commonly referred to as “pacers” or “rabbits”.
Race Timing
The Shanghai Marathon uses electronic RFID chip timing combined with zone-based start mats.
Race Packets
To be confirmed.
Bag Drop-Off Option
To be confirmed.
FAQs
The Shanghai Marathon is traditionally held in late November or early December. The 2027 date has not yet been announced by the organisers. Registered interest holders will be notified as soon as it’s confirmed.
By purchasing a package with an official international marathon tour operator like Adventure Time Travel, your entry is secured. We work through official channels to guarantee our runners place, bypassing the public ballot entirely.
Shanghai is one of the races currently in the Abbott World Marathon Majors Candidate Race programme, undergoing formal assessment for elevation to Major status. The decision rests with Abbott World Marathon Majors and we’ll update this page as soon as there’s news.
Entry requirements for Australian passport holders travelling to China have changed in recent years and continue to be updated. We’ll provide current, specific guidance to all confirmed travellers, and we recommend checking Smartraveller for the latest advice.
Absolutely! Supporters are a big part of every trip we run, and we build the itinerary with them in mind.
Not at all. It simply means you’ll be the first to receive updates about this event.
Held in December, the Shanghai Marathon falls during one of the city’s most pleasant stretches of weather — cool, dry and typically ranging from 12–18°C (54–64°F). These conditions are close to ideal for distance running, helping you settle into a strong, consistent pace as the course takes you past some of Shanghai’s most iconic sights.
Reviews
Saranya Chandra
I had an excellent experience with Adventure Time Travel for the London Marathon. This is my very first major and I am grateful to Anna and her team. Everything was very well organised from start to finish, which really helped take the stress out of race weekend. Communication was clear and timely, and all arrangements—from transport to accommodation—were smooth and reliable.
It made a huge difference being able to focus on the race without worrying about logistics. The team was supportive and clearly experienced in handling marathon events.
I would definitely recommend Adventure Time Travel to anyone planning to run the London Marathon. A professional and hassle-free service!
Jen Clingly
If you are going to do a marathon, book with Adventure Time Travel! The team are amazing, everything is done for you so you don’t have to worry or stress about a thing. It’s the only way to go!
Tabitha Acret
Amazing organisation , if your thinking about doing a marathon then adventure time is the company to go with.
Flights, Insurance & Visa
FLIGHTS & TRAVEL
At Adventure Time Travel, we recognise that a marathon is often just one element of a broader holiday experience. To provide our clients with a truly seamless, end-to-end service, we have partnered with industry expert Elizabeth Johns of Hastwell Travel & Cruise.
With more than 30 years in the travel industry, I bring deep expertise in creating seamless, detail‑driven itineraries — from corporate travel to destination weddings, milestone celebrations to African surfing safaris.
I’ve planned just about everything imaginable, and that breadth of experience means there’s very little I haven’t handled before.
I thrive on event‑based travel, where timing matters and every moving part must align perfectly.
My goal is always the same: to make planning effortless and create journeys that feel personal, polished, and unforgettable.
I’m proud to be part of Hastwell Travel & Cruise, an Australian‑owned, award‑winning agency backed by more than three decades of industry strength and a team with over 150 years of combined experience.
Our ATIA and CLIA accreditations, along with strong partnerships through the Travellers Choice network, mean my clients benefit from trusted governance, competitive supplier access, and exceptional support behind every trip.
Elizabeth Johns
Travel Advisor
+61 8 8379 2344
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Adventure Time Travel uses Cover-More Travel Insurance when we are jetting off on an adventure. We extend this option to our runners as well.
PASSPORTS, VISAS & HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
It is your responsibility to ensure you have the necessary documents, and only the destinations you intend to visit can provide the most current visa requirements. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of your travel destinations for accurate information.
Many countries and territories require your passport to be valid for at least six months. Immigration authorities may deny entry if your passport has less than six months’ validity remaining.
Ensure you are aware of any health requirements for your travel destinations. Vaccinations may be recommended for certain locations. Consult your local doctor to receive the necessary vaccinations before your departure date.
For more information visit http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au