Shanghai vs Hangzhou Marathon — Which Should You Run?
Compare the Shanghai and Hangzhou Marathons side by side — course profile, weather, field size, qualification, and atmosphere to help you choose your next race.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | 2026 Shanghai Marathon - Dec 6 | 2026 Hangzhou Marathon - Nov 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Country/Region | China | China |
| Month | November | November |
| Avg Temperature | 12-18°C | 10-18°C |
| Course Type | Flat | Rolling |
| Elevation | ~20m | ~80m |
| Field Size | 38,000 | 25,000 |
| Entry | Lottery | Lottery |
| World Major | No | No |
| BQ Course | Yes | Yes |
| Crowd Support | Good | Good |
Detailed Comparison
Shanghai and Hangzhou both run in November and are separated by just 170 kilometers — but the racing experiences are worlds apart. Shanghai is China's flagship marathon: a flat, fast course along the Bund and through Pudong with only ~25m of total elevation gain and a massive 38,000-runner field. Hangzhou's route winds through the scenic West Lake area with rolling hills totaling ~120m of gain, demanding more tactical pacing. Use a pace calculator to plan your splits accordingly.
Temperature-wise, Shanghai (12-18°C) is slightly warmer than Hangzhou (10-16°C), but both offer excellent racing weather. Shanghai's flat profile makes it the better choice for chasing a personal best, while Hangzhou rewards runners who value natural beauty — think lakeside paths, pagoda-dotted hillsides, and tree-lined boulevards. Both races use a lottery entry system, with Shanghai being significantly more competitive due to higher demand.
For a PR attempt or your first marathon in China, choose Shanghai. For a more scenic, culturally immersive race with a smaller crowd, Hangzhou is the pick. They're close enough that many runners tackle both in consecutive years.
Explore Each Marathon
2026 Shanghai Marathon - Dec 6
Live countdown, race info, and training tools.
View Countdown →2026 Hangzhou Marathon - Nov 1
Live countdown, race info, and training tools.
View Countdown →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, Shanghai or Hangzhou Marathon?
Shanghai features a flat course while Hangzhou has a rolling profile. The Shanghai course may offer faster conditions.
How do I enter the Shanghai Marathon vs Hangzhou Marathon?
Shanghai Marathon uses a Lottery entry system with a field of 38,000 runners. Hangzhou Marathon uses Lottery with 22,000 full-marathon spots. Plan your entry strategy using our Marathon Lottery Calculator.
What is the best weather for running, Shanghai or Hangzhou?
Shanghai in November averages 12-18°C. Hangzhou in November averages 10-18°C. Use our Dew Point Calculator and Heat Adjustment Calculator to plan for race-day conditions.
Can I qualify for Boston at Shanghai or Hangzhou?
Both the Shanghai and Hangzhou Marathons are BQ-eligible courses. Use our Pace Calculator to determine your BQ target pace.
Which marathon has better crowd support?
Shanghai is known for good crowd support, while Hangzhou offers good spectator atmosphere. Both races create memorable experiences. Plan your spectator strategy with our Spectator Planner.
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