Running News Daily

The landscape of global marathon racing could soon undergo a significant transformation after the Abbott World Marathon Majors confirmed that the Shanghai Marathon has successfully passed the first stage of evaluation in its quest to join the prestigious marathon series.

The Chinese race is now one step closer to becoming part of one of the most exclusive clubs in road running. If the event fulfills all remaining criteria during its December 2026 edition, Shanghai could officially be welcomed into the Majors calendar as early as 2027.

Such a development would mark a major milestone not only for the race itself but also for marathon running in Asia. In recent years, the Shanghai Marathon has steadily grown in stature, attracting elite athletes and producing performances that signal its readiness for the sport’s highest tier.

Evidence of that progress was on full display at the latest edition when former world record holder Brigid Kosgei delivered a historic run, clocking the fastest marathon ever recorded on Chinese soil. Her performance underscored the race’s rising reputation as a venue capable of hosting world-class competition and record-breaking moments.

At the same time, another race is nearing a decisive moment in its own bid for inclusion. The Cape Town Marathon is currently undergoing its final evaluation phase, with hopes of becoming the first African event to join the celebrated marathon series. Should it succeed, it would represent a landmark achievement for distance running across the continent and further highlight Africa’s profound influence on the sport.

If both Shanghai and Cape Town ultimately secure approval, the Abbott World Marathon Majors would expand from seven races to nine, reflecting the sport’s growing global reach.

At present, the Majors circuit consists of the world’s most iconic marathons: the Tokyo Marathon, Boston Marathon, London Marathon, Berlin Marathon, Chicago Marathon, the New York City Marathon, and the recently added Sydney Marathon.

The possible addition of Shanghai and Cape Town would represent more than just numerical growth. It would signal a new era for marathon running — one that reflects the sport’s expanding global footprint, bringing the Majors closer to runners and fans across Asia and Africa while strengthening the truly worldwide identity of the marathon.