Shanghai has a strong running culture, and athletics tracks are a microcosm of that culture. They may all look like lanes on a track, but their character differs underneath.
Starting with this issue, we'll introduce the athletics tracks in Shanghai — excluding university fields, since there are simply too many of those.
In this first installment, we begin with the Shanghai Inner Ring. Have you checked in at any of these tracks?
1. Luwan Stadium
Address：
No. 135 Jianguo West Road, Huangpu District
Metro：
Jiashan Road Station — Lines 9 & 12
Track：
Blue, 8-lane standard 400 m synthetic track
Opening hours：
Weekdays 06:30–15:30, 18:30–22:00
Weekends 06:30–09:00, 16:00–22:00
Exact hours subject to on-site notices.
Features：
There is a parking lot at Southeast Gate 1; the fee is 15 yuan/hour — a bit pricey, but convenient;
Lockers and a running service station are both available for storing personal items;
The track separates fast and slow lanes (inner 4 lanes for faster running, outer 4 lanes for slower paces), so newbies and veterans don’t get in each other’s way;
This venue has the largest number of amateur running elites in Shanghai. Various running groups train here regularly, so whether you’re new or experienced, there’s a suitable option.
2. Huochetou Stadium
Address：
No. 955 Gonghexin Road, Jing'an District
Metro：
Zhongshan North Road Station — Line 1 / Zhongxing Road Station — Line 8
Track：
6-lane standard 400 m synthetic track
Opening hours：
Accessible only when running group activities are taking place
Features：
Before training you can leave personal items on the stands’ seats (use your own judgment for valuables);
The football pitch has no protective fencing — watch out for balls rolling onto the track.
Many running groups gather here for evening training (e.g., Tuesday Heima, Wednesday Neidao, Thursday Asics, etc. — Paoye has also left its mark here).
3. Jing'an Workers' Stadium
Address：
No. 888 Changping Road
Metro：
Changping Road Station — Line 7
Track：
Approximately 350 m synthetic track
Opening hours：
Daily 06:00–16:00, 18:00–22:00
Features：
There are no public parking spaces inside the stadium, but you can park along Changping Road;
The inner lane is about 350 m per lap, and the outermost lane is close to 380 m — lap counting can get a bit addictive;
The venue’s drainage is mediocre, so after rain the track may have puddles — take care when running;
4. Yuanshen Sports Center
Address：
No. 1458 Zhangyang Road
Metro：
Yuanshen Sports Center Station — Line 6
Track：
8-lane standard 400 m synthetic track
Opening hours：
Daily 06:00–09:00, 15:00–21:30
Features：
Parking is inexpensive — 5 yuan/hour;
The track separates fast and slow lanes: inner 4 lanes for running, outer 4 lanes for walking;
On rainy days or when you want to avoid direct sun, the second-floor circular corridor is an excellent option (blue synthetic surface, about 600 m per lap);
Open to the public for free. The evening running atmosphere is fantastic — an indispensable running sanctuary for Pudong runners.
Which area's athletics tracks would you like us to feature next?
Image source: Paoye / online
#athletics tracks #running #running groups #Shanghai Inner Ring #Paoye Big Bang