Women's half marathon entrants under starter's orders
The day after International Women's Day on March 8, 7,000 women runners will hit the road for the 2025 Shanghai Women's Half Marathon in Changning District.
Six thousand – 1,000 more than last year – will take part in the main 21-kilometer race on Sunday, with another 1,000 in the 5k health run.
The races will start at 7am from Zunyi Road. The finish line of the half marathon has been set at Zhongshan Park Gate 3, while the health run ends at Shanghai Zoo.
Models showcase runners' T-shirts for the 2025 Shanghai Women's Half Marathon.
According to the organizers, over 30,500 people applied for this year's event before places were distributed through a draw. Runners' ages range from 17 to over 55.
This year's event includes 131 runners from 15 countries and regions.
Fifteen ambulances will be on standby for the event and there will be 17 medical stations along the route. Water stations will be available every five kilometers. Snacks and energy bars are provided at the 12.5k and 17.5k points. There will also be water spray facilities to help runners beat the heat.
A total of 7,000 female runners, including 131 from overseas, will take part in this year's event.
The top six half marathon finishers will receive prize money of up to 15,000 yuan (US$2,065). The first 200 runners to complete the race will gain entry to the 2025 Shanghai Marathon which will be held in the second half of the year.
Traffic controls will be in place on some roads in the district from 5:30am to 10:15am on Sunday to ensure safety. Some buses will adjust their routes during the period.
