On the early morning of November 30, marathon enthusiasts gathered once again at the Bund Bull. With the sound of the starting gun, 23,000 runners surged across the starting line toward the dawn, marking the official start of the 2025 Shanghai Marathon.
Before 7:20 a.m., the leading group of runners had already reached the business district comprised of the Westgate Mall, CITIC Square, and Plaza 66 (hereinafter referred to as "the business district"). By 7:35 a.m., the main pack began arriving in Jing'an. Aligning with World Marathon Majors standards, the Shanghai Marathon featured a wheelchair category for the second consecutive year. As the first wheelchair sped past the Shanghai Exhibition Center, spectators lining the route cheered enthusiastically, offering strong support to the athletes.
The 3.5-kilometer Jing'an segment, stretching from West Nanjing Road/North Chengdu Road to Changshu Road/Changle Road, showcases the essence of Shanghai's charm and Jing'an's distinctive appeal. This course connects iconic landmarks, such as Shanghai Media Group, HKRI Taikoo Hui, the "Louis" flagship shaped like a giant vessel, Zhang Yuan (known as the No.1 Garden on the Sea), the business district, the Shanghai Exhibition Center, Jing'an Temple, and the Julu Road-Fumin Road-Changle Road section. Together, they form a vibrant urban landscape.
Many participants and spectators noted that after 29 editions, the Shanghai Marathon has become an integral part of the city's cultural identity. The Jing'an segment, in particular, highlights Shanghai's vibrant metropolitan scenery, earning recognition as a city name card.
The "Louis" flagship continues to be a popular photo spot, attracting large crowds, while Zhang Yuan blends historic Haipai culture with modern commercial vitality, serving as a diverse urban space. The business district, Jing'an Kerry Center, and the Jing'an Temple business district exemplify luxury and vibrancy, with high-end storefronts adding to the stylish atmosphere.
The Julu Road-Fumin Road-Changle Road section, from Huashan Road to Changshu Road, remains a classic highlight of the marathon. The architecture along this stretch combines old-Shanghai character with contemporary flair, offering runners a uniquely captivating experience.
To ensure the event's success, Jing'an District mobilized multiple departments to collaborate on race organization, medical support, security, and traffic management. Contingency plans were refined for various scenarios.
As arranged by the Organizing Committee, four cheer stations and two water-supply points were set up along the route. Public notices and directional signage were clearly displayed and maintained.
Prior to the event, the Construction Management Commission of Jing'an District and municipal support teams carried out road inspections and repairs to meet wheelchair racing standards. More than 50 volunteer observers from involved sub-districts were stationed along key sections and intersections to assist with order maintenance, crowd control, and spectator guidance.
Three community fitness groups volunteered as cheer squads to motivate runners along the course.
A security force of 500 personnel, supplemented by 335 police officers, was deployed to ensure safety in Jing'an District. Urban management, landscaping, and firefighting units also provided support for route maintenance.
The Ethics Promotion Office of Jing'an District promoted participation and spectatorship etiquette before and during the event, helping foster a positive and enthusiastic atmosphere throughout the race.