Shanghai has a strong running culture, and athletics tracks are a microcosm of that—though they may all be made of lanes, their core character differs.

Starting with this issue, we’ll introduce the athletics tracks in Shanghai, excluding university playgrounds since there are simply too many of those.

For the first installment we begin inside the Inner Ring. Have you checked in at 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
Specific times subject to on-site announcements.

Features:
There is a parking lot at Southeast Gate 1; parking costs ¥15/hour—relatively expensive but convenient.

There are luggage lockers and a running service station; both can store personal items.

The track is divided into fast and slow lanes (inner 4 lanes are fast, outer 4 are slow), so beginners and veteran runners don’t interfere with each other.

This venue is home to the largest number of top amateur runners in Shanghai. Various running-group training sessions are held regularly, so both newcomers and experienced runners can find suitable options.

2. Huochetou Stadium

Address:
955 Gonghexin Road, Jing'an District

Metro:
Zhongshan North Road Station (Line 1) / Zhongxing Road Station (Line 8)

Track:
Six standard 400 m synthetic lanes

Opening hours:
Accessible only during running-group activities

Features:
Before training you can place personal items on the seats in the stands (use your own discretion with valuables);

The soccer field has no protective fencing! Be careful of balls entering the track while running.

Evenings see many running groups gathering for training (Tuesday: Heima, Wednesday: Neidao, Thursday: ASICS, etc.; Paoye has also trained here).

3. Jing'an District Workers' Stadium

Address:
888 Changping Road

Metro:
Changping Road Station (Line 7)

Track:
350 m synthetic track

Opening hours:
Daily 06:00-16:00, 18:00-22:00

Features:
Stadium parking is not open to the public; however, you can park on the street along Changping Road.

One lap in the inner lane is about 350 m, while the outermost lane is nearly 380 m — keeping track of laps can easily get addictive.

The drainage system is mediocre; the track can puddle after rain, so take care when running.

4. Yuanshen Sports Center

Address:
1458 Zhangyang Road

Metro:
Line 6 — Yuanshen Sports Center Station

Track:
8 standard 400 m synthetic lanes

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 — the inner 4 lanes are for running, the outer 4 for walking.

On rainy days or when you want to avoid sun, the second-floor circular corridor is an excellent option (blue synthetic surface; one lap ≈ 600 m).

Free to use; the evening running atmosphere is fantastic — an irreplaceable running sanctuary for Pudong runners.

Which area's athletics tracks would you like featured in the next issue?

Image source: Paoye / Internet
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