The 2024 Shanghai Marathon, China's only candidate race for the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM), kicked off Sunday morning with an increased number of elite athletes and the historic introduction of wheelchair racing. Runners gathered early on Monday morning along the Nanjing Road. Among the crowd, some racers in wheelchairs caught much attention.
"This is my first (marathon) competition. I am nervous but also excited. I am looking forward to it," said one of the wheelchair athletes.
"I had to travel to other cities or abroad for races in the past. I hope Shanghai can host more races in the future," said another wheelchair runner.
At 06:45 local time, 12 wheelchair athletes became the first to head out of the starting line, creating a unique scene along the course. The remaining 38,000 runners followed at 07:00, packing the 42.195-kilometer course from the Bund to Xujiahui.
To ensure a safe and smooth experience for racers with disabilities, the organizers have made key course adjustments, avoiding sharp turns and narrow paths.
Spectators lined the streets, waving banners and blowing horns to cheer runners and wheelchair athletes on.
Since its inception in 1996, the Shanghai Marathon has run 28 consecutive years. As China's first World Athletics Label marathon race, this year the Shanghai Marathon has also been designated as the country's sole candidate for the AbbottWMM.
The event this year was organized in line with the AbbottWMM standards for the first time, attracting 47 elite athletes from across the world. After a fierce competition, the men's title was claimed by Eritrea's Samson Amare, who finished in 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 26 seconds.
"I'm happy with the race, good performance. I'm very [happy]. [For the] Shanghai marathon [it's the] first time I've raced [here]. It's good,” Amare expressed his stratification with the result.
Ethiopian runner Bekelech Gudeta Borecha secured the first spot in the women's race with a time of 2 hours, 25 minutes and 21 seconds.
Zhang Deshun, who ranked first among Chinese female athletes, said it's regrettable that she narrowly missed her original goal.
"The outcome didn't surprise me. Actually I intended to secure 2 hours and 26 minutes today, but I fell a little short. It's still a bit of regret," she said.
In the wheelchair racing event, Luo Xingchuan emerged as the men's champion, crossing the finish line in an hour and a half.
"The spectators were very enthusiastic all along the route. The cheers from both sides were very loud, and it's a great encouragement to me," Luo said.
According to organizers, the 2025 Shanghai Marathon will take place on November 30, with registration set to open by June 30 next year.
Shanghai Marathon concludes with first-ever wheelchair racing
