Shanghai International Marathon is back

Time to dust off those running shoes because the Shanghai International Marathon is back and bigger than ever, offering 20,000 slots up for grabs for the full marathon (42.195km), 8,000 for the half-marathon (21km), 5,000 for the 10k run and 5,000 for the health run. You haven't got much time to get training though because this year the marathon will take place on Sunday 30 October.

Eligibility to participate in the full marathon requires the participant to be at least 20 years of age at the end of this calendar year (31 December 2016) and possess a valid health certificate declaring the participant’s physical fitness for the run. The medical certification is required for the half-marathon as well.

Pre-registration starts next Monday 29 August at 10am and closes at 5pm on Friday 2 September. Registration can be done online through the official website www.shang-ma.com or through the Shang-ma app on iOS and Android.

Pending a successful draw, participants then have until September 12 to make their payment. For foreigners, it will cost 300RMB for the full marathon or half-marathon and 200RMB for the 10k run or health run. For Chinese nationals, it will cost 100RMB for all events.