Shanghai Marathon sets a new course record as it chases a major dream

Chinese runner Feng Peiyou claims the national men's title with a time of 2:08:35 at the 2025 Shanghai Marathon, breaking the domestic men's course record. （Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn）

On Sunday morning, over 23,000 runners embarked from the Bund, experiencing Shanghai's vibrant atmosphere along the 42.195-kilometer course. As China's only World Athletics Platinum Label event and a World Marathon Majors candidate, this year's Shanghai Marathon set a new course record.

Ethiopian runner Miklesa Mengesha finished first with a time of 2:06:25. Chinese runner Feng Peiyou claimed the national men's title with 2:08:35, breaking the domestic men's course record.

"As a Platinum Label event, the Shanghai Marathon attracts top-tier athletes, making it ideal for achieving good results. The participation of international runners pushes Chinese athletes to perform better," Feng said. He expressed optimism about the race's marathon majors bid, noting that it would attract more high-level foreign runners, enhancing the overall quality of domestic races.

On Sunday morning, over 23,000 runners embark from the Bund to participate in the 2025 Shanghai Marathon along the 42.195-kilometer course. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)

Kenyan elite Brigid Kosgei won the women's title with a remarkable 2:16:36, setting the fastest women's marathon time ever recorded in China.

"I'm thrilled to have improved my best time this year. Thanks to everyone who cheered me on," Kosgei said. Regarding the marathon majors bid, she added, "I hope Shanghai becomes part of the world majors. I'd love to compete here again."

Chinese runner Zhang Deshun secured her fourth consecutive national women's title, setting a new fastest time for Chinese women in the race. "I hope that by 2027, the Shanghai Marathon will be a marathon majors' event," she said.

Wheelchair racing saw significant upgrades, expanding to 19 athletes this year, with 12 top international competitors.

Luo Xingchuan, a prominent Chinese athlete who uses a wheelchair, claims the championship in wheelchair racing at the 2025 Shanghai Marathon. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)

Luo Xingchuan, a prominent Chinese wheelchair athlete, remarked, "I aim to achieve good results to attract more international runners to this sport."

He praised the race's professional support, noting, "The Shanghai Marathon meets international standards, with a wheelchair-friendly course and well-targeted timing points and supply stations."

The race aligned with world-class standards, meeting marathon majors' evaluation criteria and setting a pre-registration record of 356,589 applicants, earning global recognition.

Chinese runner Zhang Deshun secures her fourth consecutive national women's title at the 2025 Shanghai Marathon, setting a new fastest time for Chinese women in the race. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)

German runner Felix Raab, who achieved a personal best, praised the event: "It's a fantastic race with great service — volunteers are helpful and inspiring."

First-time visitor Toni Janka was impressed by the race's integration with the city: "Shanghai is beautiful, and the people are incredibly friendly. The course is fast and offers a view of the city. It's a world-class marathon."

He noted that he came specifically because of the race's marathon majors' candidate status, calling the trip "worthwhile".

Kenyan elite Brigid Kosgei wins the women's title at the 2025 Shanghai Marathon. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)

On Sunday morning, over 23,000 runners embark from the Bund to participate in the 2025 Shanghai Marathon along the 42.195-kilometer course. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)