Just now, the long‑awaited 2026 Shanghai Marathon'slottery results have finallybeen announced.Did you get a spot? Excluding guaranteed entries, are you among the more than 20,000 accepted? Or is one of your friends?
Whether you got in or not, please read on.
First, congratulations to all runners who successfully secured a place. For those who didn't get a spot this time, don't be discouraged — there are still many backup options.
If you regret not getting a spot, don't lose heart — there are still ways to make it onto the Shanghai Marathon start line:
1. Watch for supplementary lottery opportunities
If selected runners fail to complete payment within the specified time, the organizing committee will hold a supplementary draw among unselected applicants to fill the vacant spots.
2. Sign up for the Health Run
The distance is shorter, but at least you still get to start!For runners who missed the lottery, registering for the Health Run is a viable option.
However, Health Run registration only opens in July(specific dates to be announced by the organizers), so keep an eye on the schedule.
Note: This year it's possible to run the Health Run first and then enter the full marathon, so the Health Run's lottery acceptance rate is likely to be very low.
3. Official race sponsor‑exclusiveentry quotas
Beyond the lottery there's always been a "shortcut" to entry:sponsor raceslots。
This year's Shanghai Marathon has 9 sponsors and 8 event partners — it's time for everyone to take action~
Runners canfollow activities launched by the Shanghai Marathon's official sponsors (such as Nike, Shanghai Pudong Development Bank (SPD Bank), China UnionPay, GoTone, etc.) to obtain additional entry slots— these usually come via purchasing products, joining online interactions, redeeming points, or entering sweepstakes.
4. Why not try a different marathon?
If you're completely out of luck for the 2026 Shanghai Marathon,nextwhich high-quality races will we have to choose from in the next six months?
October 18Beijing Marathon(registration not yet open),the "national marathon" needs no introduction. Running from Tiananmen to the Bird's Nest, it's a must-do for any runner.
November 1Hangzhou Marathon(registration ongoing, deadline July 15), Hangzhou Marathon is also aiming for Platinum Label — it may become harder to get into in the future, so cherish the chance while you can.The 2026 Hangzhou Marathon will open registration tomorrow at 10:00 AM — what changes are there this year?
December 6Shenzhen Marathon(registration not yet open)，Starts on the same day as the Shanghai Marathon,If you don't get a spot in the Shanghai Marathon, consider turning your attention to this young, vibrant city.
December 20Guangzhou Marathon(Registration not yet open)，The year-end finale of South China marathons, and also a very "hot" race.
After the results are announced, some rejoice and some despair. Those who were drawnrunners,congratulations,12 month6 day, see you at the Bund Jinniu Square (Remember7 month20 beforepromptlypay the fee)。
If you weren't drawn, don't be discouraged — there are still chances to try again. The second half of the year has many races to choose from; there's always a route that suits you.。
In any case, don't lose heart; there's another shot at Shanghai Marathon next year. It seems to get harder year by year, so more runners will miss out next year — maybe that evens things out a bit?
Text：MP / Editor：MP
